Music is an international language, and it crosses many barriers. My profession takes me inside the lives of those diagnosed with dementia, and I am constantly amazed at how individuals who have advanced dementia, though they normally do not speak anymore, if they hear songs, especially some of the older hymns, many begin singing the words to their familiar songs.The words come right back to them.
Good photo and commentary. I just watched a small documentary about how patients came alive when they had music programmed on ipods for them. It made a huge difference to them!
Music does have that power. I've interviewed alot of people who work with Alzheimer's patients, and they all say that music is the one thing that really reaches people and forms a bridge that caregivers can cross. Lovely photo, Rick, and I love your processing.
Love this photo, Rick and the comment. Yes, I've heard that people with dementia do remember music. It soothes the soul. The brain is amazing. So is your photo.
So true .... an I have a parishioner who had a very disabling stroke ... no speech and very little movement ... yet ... in church he can sing! The only word I've ever heard him say is "Amen" .... but music unlocks his speech. Truly remarkable. He was a parish priest.
My step grandmother had dementia. She was silent most of the time, but would suddenly burst into songs she sang as a performer on transatlantic cruise ships when she was young. She did a little dance routine too. It was entertaining and some-how made it easier to help her and be at one with her. Music was clearly a very powerful imperative in her.
Nice shot. Thanks for the memory.
What you've written here is fascinating in so many ways. My father is going through his own struggles now with Parkinson's. We're not sure if it's beginning to affect his mind or not, but he's always loved Big Band music. We'll have to figure out something special for him. I love how you've processed this shot.
We have a guy called Gareth Malone & he forms choirs, the latest being with the wives & girlfriends of soldiers in Afghanistan. The whole process is filmed for TV & the fellowship & friendship these people form through music is so uplifting.
When my dad was in a nursing home with Parkinson's Disease, I used to play the piano for him in the cafeteria and some of the other residents would stop in to listen. You could tell that music spoke volumes to them and they did remember their favorite songs even though they suffered from dementia. Music can lift the spirits, I think...
you rock! I love that you assist in the reminiscing of memories in dementia patients. you must have a lot of compassion. very dramatic capture to go with your commentary
I've heard dementia is like living your life in reverse, so could it be that because they'd been exposed to hymns at such a young age, it's the last thing that leaves them?
Fav!!!
Nice shot. Thanks for the memory.
Nicely processed.