Written by Lauren Murphy, SIU School of Medicine
Wondering what to do with your old iPod? It may be more useful that you think.
The power of music on the mind has been well-studied, showing that it can provide connections and trigger long-term memories, even in those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. These connections become even stronger when the music is linked to emotional recall and personal memories.
People living with Alzheimer’s may benefit from a program known as Music and Memory, which uses personalized playlists to trigger pleasant memories in dementia patients. According to researchers at Music and Memory, dementia patients at elder care facilities who listen to these playlists are happier, more social, more cooperative, more attentive, less agitated and less reliant on medications.
Maggie Schaver, who works at the SIU Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (CADRD), helped introduce Music and Memory to a local elder care facility nearly two years ago. “After starting the program at Mill Creek Alzheimer’s Special Care Center, we’ve seen people who are withdrawn talk freely about memories associated with their music; we have seen sedentary people get up and dance down the hall; and we have seen people who are upset, even crying, become calm and smile.”
Schaver established a program for SIU Memory and Aging Clinic patients and is working to generate interest among other facilities. CADRD is seeking donations of new or used iPods and chargers to help enrich the lives of persons with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Specific needs include:
– iPods, new or used (Shuffles, post-2009 are best, but any working iPod will do)
– Accompanying chargers
– Monetary gifts to assist with the purchase of headphones (ear-buds are not needed)
– iTunes gift cards
Please mail or deliver iPods to Maggie Schaver, SIU-SM Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Room 3500, SIU Clinics, 751 N. Rutledge St., PO Box 19643, Springfield, 62794-9643. Contact Schaver at 217.545.7193 or mschaver@siumed.edu.
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