During the holidays the NF had several different musical groups come in to entertain the residents. John really enjoyed this and at times sang along and clapped his hands. Because of his reaction to music I bought him an MP3 player and our son downloaded all the tunes I could think of that John has liked over the years. There's everything from Dean Martin to Pink Floyd plus a few of "our" songs. I replaced the ear buds (too small) with a regular headset and bring it home from time to time to recharge the battery. It's the best $50 dollars I ever spent. To see his face light up or hear him sing a few words is wonderful. xox cs
There is actually a program that is using MP3 players with dementia patients--I read about it in the Wall Street Journal. They have a website and will do the downloading for you. Anyone who is interested can go on the WSJ online site and try to find the article--it appeared several months ago.
Back in the late 80s I briefly worked as a dishwasher and prep cook at a nursing home. When I would take the meals into the Alzheimer unit they had music playing (mostly big band, etc) in the big room. The patients would stroll in and out trying to sing and dance to the songs. Some would even have tears in their eyes as if a connection was being made even though none of them that I saw could talk. They told me music was the only way they had found to connect with many of them. Little did I know that 20 years later it would be becoming my world too.
I understand the connection with music. My dh walks around the house, hears something and starts singing about it. He loves music. It is like watching a child hear a song and start singing and make up their own words to it. He may not remember the words but the tune is still there. It is so funny when he puts tunes with what he is doing. Like fixing a cup of coffee he may be saying "I am fixing a cup of coffee" to the tune of " She'll be coming around the mountain when she comes". Toooo cute, makes for a great day.