Category: Singing/Songs

“Music does not reside in the brain, it lives in the soul.”
Singing and the enjoyment of music is an ability that typically lingers longer even while other abilities diminish.

Wayne and Bambi are having a good time singing a family favorite, "When Papa Put the Paper on the Wall"

Music is good medicine for those with dementia – take as needed

Posted on by seniajean

My sister and I recently had a lovely chat about music and its important role in the lives of people with dementia. She told me about the amazing story of Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.
Tony Bennett was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016. By then, Lady Gaga had become Tony’s devoted protégé. Even after his diagnosis, they were still singing together. In 2021, they performed two sold-out concerts “One Last Time: An Evening With Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.” The limiting and muting effects of Alzheimer’s seemed to disappear while he was singing.

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Our daughter visiting someone she loves. Background photo by Annie Spratt in Unsplash

Making Contact with Loved Ones: A Heartfelt Connection

Posted on by seniajean

While having lunch and visiting with our friends at one of the senior centers we regularly attend, old Motown songs played in the background. I found myself singing along with Stevie Wonder’s hit from 1984, “I Just Called to Say I Love You”. It reminded me of the importance of connecting with our loved ones. As Valentine’s Day approaches, this song, with its simple message, serves as a lovely reminder to make contact with those we love, especially those living alone or in nursing homes.

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Finding Joy at Christmas Despite Dementia

Posted on by seniajean

Even though this is supposed to be “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, when you are a caregiver for a loved one with dementia, celebrating Christmas can become challenging.
When my Mama, who had dementia for well over a decade was in the early stages of the disease, she was still aware of seasons and most holidays. As time went on, she became less so. Dementia stole her ability to look forward to Christmas, birthdays, or any other previously meaningful day or time of the year. The pages turned on the calendar, but her days remained the same.

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This photo reminds me of Mama, her favorite color of roses resting on sheet music.

The Magic of Music in Memories

Posted on by seniajean

The power of music to trigger memories is well documented in studies and by organizations such as Music and Memory . Singing with a loved one is a won­derful way to keep connected. Most folks have a song or two tucked away in their memory. A song learned when they were eight will remain with them when they are 80.

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Sing, sing, singing the blues away

Posted on by seniajean

Are you feeling blue? Overwhelmed? Take heart – or take up singing. The almost magical affect music has on those suffering from dementia are well established, but what about those who care for them? Here’s some good news: I just read about a study that showed a wonderful side-benefit to music therapy. It seems that…

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Singing along

Posted on by seniajean

One of the most surprising discoveries we made in this adventure called “Caring for Mama”, was that the ability to sing does not decline at the same rate at other abilities – even talking. It could be, as my husband says that “Music does not reside in the brain, it lives in the soul.” That…

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