Culture and Health

Music & Memory Projects

Music & Memory operates in long term care facilities and helps people suffering from a broad spectrum of cognitive and physical challenges find new meaning and connection in their lives through the gift of personalized music. Music is deeply rooted in our conscious and unconscious brain as shown by a three year study conducted by the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing of the UC Davis: of 4,107 residents in 265 California nursing homes, 13% reduced their use of antipsychotics, 17% anti-anxiolytics for every three months that residents with dementia participated in the Music & Memory programme. The probability of depressive symptoms dropped by 16% for every three month period and the probability of reported pain by 17% every three months. In addition, the number of days of medication use was down by 30% and aggressive behaviors were reduced by 20%.