by Eric Kolb, Executive Director of Songs & Smiles
For a person who has Alzheimer’s, a favorite song can be the key to unlocking old memories. Music can help connect someone who has Alzheimer’s with their own joy-filled memories. I’ve seen it happen many times. Hearing the right song can bring a smile to a face, or sometimes a tender tear to an eye.
Music can connect a person to a specific time in their life. When a certain song unlocks a set of special memories, you may hear stories shared for the first time. I’ve seen “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” bring a man back to his own days playing baseball. I’ve seen “All Shook Up” take a woman back to a high school dance. And I’ve seen “Some Enchanted Evening” bring people back to a first love.
Music also connects us with each other. As we share a song, we share memories. And we create new memories. While we were caring for my mother-in-law, Trish, our family experienced the joy of singing together. Yes, we grieved as Alzheimer’s stole her memories and, eventually, her life. The loss and the pain is very real. But so are the moments of joy. Now, as our family continues to grieve, we also cherish each special moment of joy we shared with Trish. Many of those moments of joy involved music, so we know firsthand why music matters.
When I’m leading singalongs, of course I’m doing my best to connect with the audience. As we sing together, we also share smiles and winks and knowing looks. But I’m also connecting with my own memories, including memories of singing with Trish. So, when I sing “Keep on the Sunny Side” I remember standing next to her, watching her grandchildren perform at a bluegrass festival. When I sing “Blue Suede Shoes,” I remember hearing her talk about Elvis Presley and her high school days. And when I sing “Can’t Help Falling in Love With You,” I remember how Trish loved that song and how she would reach out and “take my hand” as I sang those words of the chorus.
Music connects us with memories and emotions, and it beautifully connects us with each other.
