BBC News - Music can do 'incredible things' for people with dementia

BBC News - Music can do 'incredible things' for people with dementia

New research shows that singing may slow the progress of dementia.
Singing For The Brain is a group of singers in Bristol made up of people with Alzheimer's and their spouses. Most of the patients have lost their memory for names, events and people, but many respond to music long after other memories have disappeared.

From the Portal:

It's been said many times but this is a fine example of how music can help us all in our lives to heal, to deal with diffcult times and to reach out to those people who need it most. This video from the BBC and program is a must see, it reminds me of the time I did music therapy as a young person in my early twenties working with older people.

It was at first a daunting experience but ulitmately one of the most rewarding I have ever had as a muscian. To see the joy and happiness and to experience the connection with people who were in their 80's and 90's is something I will never forget.

I encourage you all to get involved in music in anyway you can through playing, singing in the local choir, helping other people to achieve their musical aspirations or just by going along to the local concerts many of which are put on free of charge.

It is no coincidence that it is Bristol where the BBC video is based. Bristol is a place I am very fond of, a major centre for the arts and creative people. If you are looking for some ideas of where to go over the holiday season, you will probably find something to your liking.

A good example of this is The Southbank Club, a place I recently visited and saw a most enjoyable and eagerly anticapted performance by none other than Rory McLeod. A former working mens club, The Southbank Club is a busy venue  comprising meeting rooms, gallery space, music club and dance studio. An Arts & Social Club, meeting place and melting pot for creatives, dancers, poets and their friends and just about anyone else who enjoys good music, dance, good beer in a friendly smoke-free atmosphere.

Lastly, this is a post about the power of music and the good it can bring so please click on the charity link at the bottom of the page called Music for Relief, which is a charity I strongly support. Also, for those of you that are concerned about health, don't forget to check out the health tips on this page as well.

The Portal of Healing