Using music to help unlock Alzheimer's patients' memories

Music lights up many parts of the brain, and now is being used by a program called Music and Memory that helps those suffering from Alzheimer's disease. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook has reports on how the program helps connects Alzheimer's patients with themselves.

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[dannyyboy]

This is just more evidence that music is in fact the closest thing that we humans have to magic.

[jayblack]

“This is what we lived so long for” IM SOBBING RIGHT NOW

[privacyvalued]

We've only rediscovered the most basic aspects of music and barely understand how it works in concert with mental health. Music is more capable than you can possibly imagine.

[blase]

For them, it's like a moment of clarity. Being lost in confusion and internal anger, to a moment where it's peaceful and relieving.

[MrAllen-fvcj]

If I ever go down hill this way, just glue some earbuds into me and put Queen & Freddie Mercury on repeat.

[milamaximova]

The way he said “sadness, this is what we live so long for”.. 😢

[carolyntorres]

The husband’s big sigh at the start says it all. Bless him. Prayers!

[julesindigoblue]

My mother started this years ago. I’m happy to see it’s being recognised!

[Carolynnin]

Music is the Magic we all need in our lives! I am in tears watching this. My father was diagnosed several years ago with Alzheimer's and music is one of the things we can still count on to make him smile. My heart swells when he sings along with me and I have been inspired to begin the journey to becoming a music therapist.

[seapilot]

I was doing this for my Father back in 1998, as a kid, ( me ) My Dad would look for this record that he was unsure of it's name. When I realized what the song was, I bought the CD and headed for the rest home. Once there I placed the headphones on him and played the song he so long waited to hear. It left me so fulfilled, I had tears in my eyes, the song? Ave Maria Cheers

[lisabullock]

My Mother passed from Alzheimers 15 years ago . We were blessed to care for her at home. Saturday was 8 hours of music day, music from the 30s, 40s and thru the 60s and new music. Afterwards we would end with Lawrence Welk. We would watch old movies too on other days. My Grandmother, Aunt, and cousin have passed with this terrible disease. I hope they find a cure before our children and Grandchildren get old. Maybe even

[tiwanaloves]

Omg her eyes became so alert at the end… I wished this video was longer ✨🤎✨

[faithdiaz]

I want to be a music therapist. This is amazing.

[WearTheFundLLCFortMyers]

Proud to be partnered with such an amazing organization!

[BeverlyDillon]

When a person can't find the person trap in the body the music will. And at that moment it will bring back their memories.

[jellyfish]

So, being young and dumb - people gave some shrooms to me. And being mentally ill - the two don't mix. So there I was freaking out, tunnel vision, crying and not able to talk.

The girl that gave me it turned on a music playlist I had on my computer and it brought me back. No lie. Took 5 seconds to bring me from a panicked state to just enjoying everything. Music is magic.

[Ascertivus]

What a beautiful program.
I have known about this type of treatment for different types of dementia for over a year now and it hasn't ceased to amaze me yet; I discovered them right here on YouTube, in fact. I'm so glad people are able to relive precious memories and experiences as well as feel feelings again that they haven't felt in years or perhaps decades. Absolutely wonderful.

[donnawoods]

The only thing my mom could remember during her bout with alzheimer's was song lyrics! I used to sing to her all the time and she would join in.

[emeraldandobsidian]

Its good to see that people use music to straighten there brain and memorize. Even if my big mamaw died before this was possible and she was too far gone so quickly.

[Norma-and-Larrys-journey]

I am able to use Music to open my mother’s personality who has Alzheimer’s