Long an essential element of memory care at United Hebrew, music therapy helps ease agitation experienced by those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Singing, playing chimes, or simply listening to therapists perform music — whether in group or individual sessions — help our residents find comfort, connection, and calm in their daily lives.

For years, our personalized music therapy offerings have been successful through “Music & Memory,” a nationally recognized tool to help people with dementia feel like themselves again. It has been a boon to hundreds memory care residents on our campus — in our skilled nursing nursing home, and at Willow Gardens Memory Care and Willow Towers Assisted Living. Staff trained in the program work with resident families to create customized playlists with their loved one’s favorite music that will be loaded onto MP3 players for individual use.

“Music & Memory is a crucial piece of our therapeutic program,” notes Rita Mabli, president & CEO. “It’s a natural extension of our personalized approach to care, and another way to support each resident’s emotional well-being and dignity, helping them connect to the world around them and enjoy the best possible quality of life.”

Music Brings Back Memories & Heals the Mind

The connection between music and memory is well documented. Research has shown that music is effective at embedding in our brain's information and events. Interestingly, music memories may last long after forms of memory have disappeared. That’s why many of us can sing a song from our childhoods but forget where we just left our car keys. Research published in the Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care has shown that Music & Memory can reduce stress behaviors and use of antipsychotic medication in Alzheimer’s patients.

"The impact of music on the mind is nothing less than profound," notes Doneil Howard, MT-BC, director of Recreation at United Hebrew. "It can elicit a host of memories and transport an individual to a certain place in time even if for just a moment or two. Music can also release endorphins in the brain which are the 'feel good' chemicals associated with pleasure and positive mood.

"With Music & Memory™, it is important to have an individualized approach by identifying meaningful moments within our residents' lifetime. One of the ways we do this is to play tunes that were popular during our residents' younger formative years. Reminiscing through their favorite music helps reduce stress and increase feelings of wellbeing," adds Howard.

Music favorites from a person’s formative years tap memories not lost to dementia and can bring listeners “back to life.” This enables them to feel like themselves again, and they converse and socialize, according to research by the Music and Memory organization.

“We’ve been seeing positive results since the program’s inception,” adds Mabli. “By meeting residents where they are — with the music that shaped their lives — our team helps unlock joyful moments that improve mood, reduce anxiety, and foster meaningful connections. It’s these small but powerful experiences that contribute to a greater sense of purpose and belonging, every single day.”

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