How Music Improves the Memory of Dementia Patients

A new, beautiful film called “Alive Inside” has premiered in New York City this month. The film features the story of a 92 year old gentleman with dementia named Henry Dryer who basically was almost noncommunicative until music came back into his life. He had loved music when he was young and now that he listens to music regularly, he sings songs, carries on brief conversations, can recall some memories and even dance.  He has “come alive”.

The film tracks the lives of seven patients with dementia, including Henry, who have benefitted through the work of a nonprofit called Music & Memory which donates iPods and personalized music to people with dementia. “Music imprints itself on the brain deeper than any other human experience. Music evokes emotion, and emotion can bring with it memory… it brings back the feeling of life when nothing else can,” says renowned neurologist Oliver Sacks who appears in the film.

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