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Did you know that properly selected music is restoring communication, easing pain, reducing medication use, and transforming dementia care for patients – and their family and caregivers? Discover how personalized music is lowering costs, improving outcomes, and helping families reconnect in meaningful, unforgettable moments – without pharmacological side effects. Bonus Tip: Use holiday music thoughtfully this season to spark connection and joy – without causing overstimulation or stress for your loved ones.
Guest
Music & Memory is a service of the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF), and its Director of Programming, Justin Russo, is with me today.
Notes
We discuss:
- How Music & Memory uses personalized playlists to restore communication, ease pain, and improve quality of life for people with dementia.
- Why personalized music makes the difference neurologically and emotionally; what happens in the brain when someone with dementia hears a favorite song from their past.
- Evidence-based best practices for safely using music with individuals living with cognitive and physical conditions.
- The economic impact: how implementing personalized music programs can reduce medication use, improve recovery, and save costs.
- What to consider this time of year when emotions can run high and we don’t always have control over the music we’re hearing; how holiday and nostalgic music can be used thoughtfully to foster connection without overstimulation.
- Powerful stories of music transforming the lives of patients, families, and caregivers.
- Resources for caregivers and facilities, including tools for creating personalized playlists.
- Success stories; 29 states have made Music & Memory part of their state policy.
Connect/Other Resources
- Music & Memory website. Resources include:
- Interactive map to find certified locations near you (there are over 5,800 worldwide)
- Tool to create a personalized playlist for a loved one at home
- New caregiver resources and short videos
- Ways to get involved
- Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF) website (Music & Memory is a service of IMNF)
- We mention the following resources:
- Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory: A 2014 Sundance Award-winning documentary that showcases the work of Music & Memory and captures the transformative power of personalized music.
- A new economic analysis from the NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative, backed by AARP and conducted by Deloitte, has found that music engagement in Alzheimer’s care yields a return on investment (ROI) of up to $2.40 for every $1 spent annually. For individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, the estimated ROI is $1.70 per dollar, with an additional $0.70 per dollar benefit for caregivers.
- The short film, Healing with Harmony: A Music & Memory Story, beautifully captures the heart of the Music & Memory mission and its impact on residents and staff:
Other episodes we mentioned or that you may enjoy:
- Fun fact: One of my earliest podcast episodes was with IMNF co-founder, Concetta Tomaino! Ep. 16: The Backstory of “Awakenings” and “The Music Never Stopped,” with Dr. Concetta Tomaino
- Ep. 208: Choral Communities of Joy – Music, Belonging, and Living Well with Dementia; with Eyleen Braaten
- Ep. 104: Outsmarting Alzheimer’s – What to do now to increase your odds of successful aging and quality of life, with Kenneth Kosik, MD
- View all episodes related to Science & Health
In-Episode Promo
SHEET MUSIC DIRECT: One of my favorite ways to enhance my life with music is to play just-for-fun songs on the piano at the end of the day. My current favorites are ABBA songs and songs from the 80s, like We Are The World. With Sheet Music Direct, I can explore new music, track my favorites, play and download scores any time, from any device. This online treasure trove of digital sheet music is powered by music publisher Hal Leonard and has over a million arrangements—ready to view, listen to, and download instantly. Prices start at just $0.99 and include selections for every instrument, genre, and skill level. My family has relied on Sheet Music Direct for years for musical joy and convenience. For an entire musical library at your fingertips, visit SheetMusicDirect.com.
Coda
Justin shares a very personal memory centered around being allowed to go to the county fair at age 15 for the first time alone – and the music and memories encountered along the way.
He also shares an incredibly touching and well-written Chevy ad that made me cry!
Closing Words
Thank you so much to Justin for joining us today – and for telling me about that Chevy ad!! Omg I’m not a big crier, but that Chevy ad made me cry. It is SO touching – the YouTube video is in the show notes; do yourself a favor by watching it. That will get you into the true spirit of the season like nothing else!
Thanks also to Justin and the Music & Memory team – and all those caregivers out there who are transforming dementia care and reclaiming humanity through the power of music.
You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn; and by signing up for my monthly e-Newsletter.
Thank you so much for joining me today. Until next time, may your life be enhanced with music.
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