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National Geographic

Dementia ravages the brains of some 55 million people worldwide, but some sufferers are reaping the benefits of an unexpected therapy: music. "Memory choirs" are using song to unlock the minds of patients with dementia. Now, researchers see an opportunity to turn music into treatment. Learn more about how music can uncage memories at the link in bio. Illustration by Alanah Sarginson

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16 hours ago
Comments
Marie Cappart
12

15 hours ago

I lost a lot of my memory 5 years ago and now have luckily recovered say 95%. It's one of the scariest thing I ever lived! All of a sudden I didn't know where I was or who the people were. I was crying of frustration. Music has really played a role in my recovery. Learning the songs I love again. Dementia is a very very scary state and I hope I won't be affected again in a later age. It was terrifying.

Wendy Cini
8

16 hours ago

Music has magical qualities.❤️

7

14 hours ago

As a music therapist with a decade of experience, I’ve worked with elderly individuals facing dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease. Music therapy can slow down their deterioration , elevate their mood, soothe challenging behaviors, and create opportunities for social interaction, ultimately reducing feelings of loneliness.

Pam Brooks
4

13 hours ago

My Dad has dementia and is in long term care. He was a professional guitar player and singer. We have a guitar there in the room. When I go to visit, I always turn his wheelchair to face me and I sing the good old country songs he loved to sing and play himself. He sings along, does harmony and will even tell me if a string is out of tune (too sharp or too flat). My brother also plays and does the same thing. The other residents also get the benefit of our impromptu performances. I honestly believe this has helped Dad know who we are and stabilizes his thoughts and emotions. We can’t choose our way out but at least with dementia, our family can give my dad some comfort.

Talilla Henchoz
3

13 hours ago

This is incredible ❤️❤️

Raging Leslian
3

12 hours ago

Absolutely! There's a great documentary called alive inside. Showing the power of memory loss and music. I had a dementia, patient with aphasia and he couldn't speak unless Nat King Cole was playing, and then he could sing every song.

Samira Samira
2

14 hours ago

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Animar©
2

15 hours ago

I think of Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett ❤️

ANNA
1

11 hours ago

🥲🫠

Husan
1

16 hours ago

Wowww 🙌❤️

Juan Malo
1

11 hours ago

I guess we're gonna ignore the backwards hands, ya? Ok...

Kalender Polat
1

16 hours ago

👏👏👏👏

めだか Medaka 💎K
1

15 hours ago

❤️❤️❤️

Nandiniii🌙
1

16 hours ago

😍

kamolratdangpetcr
1

15 hours ago

👏👏…

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