Anyone who has a parent or relative battling dementia knows what a thief the disease is, robbing those afflicted of both their capabilities and most cherished memories.
Music, however, has been shown to have a unique power to cut through the fog, taking people back to the things they knew.
Nick Harvey, a composer from Sussex, England, recently shared an experience with his father that was a perfect example of music’s ability to transport those facing the challenges of memory loss.
On a recent visit his father was sitting at the piano when Harvey encouraged him to play one of his own compositions. He appears unsure if he can remember it at first, but after a good-natured push from his son he begins playing his piece “Where’s The Sunshine?” flawlessly.
Dad has dementia. Sometimes he drifts into another world and I feel like I’m losing him. He is never more present, however, than when he plays the piano.
He came to mine today and I asked him to play one of his compositions. He thought he wouldn’t be able to remember it. pic.twitter.com/EQGcXBwB3w
— Nick Harvey (@mrnickharvey) June 23, 2019
It’s a bit difficult to hear but it sounds like he says “Brings up memories” as he finishes the piece.
It was an emotional scene and it resonated strongly with people.
My grandma loved playing piano. I was very close with her. When she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I started taking piano lessons and I’d visit her and play and when I’d hit wrong notes, she would stand over me and show me the right ones. Music is magical. https://t.co/TzCpqaILnp
— Michelle Biloon (@biloon) June 24, 2019
As someone who’s Dad also has Dementia this warms my Heart! Cherish these moments!!! Always https://t.co/stQem9vJM7
— Rellington Beats ??????? (@TyRellington_) June 24, 2019
The power of music https://t.co/EMFkNzAkMm
— MIKE. (@Mike_Stud) June 25, 2019
The moment struck a chord with those who watched it and Harvey’s dad is having a sudden flush of musical fame as a result.
I have popped over to see dad. He is incredibly touched by everyone’s response and would like me to thank you all on his behalf.
— Nick Harvey (@mrnickharvey) June 24, 2019
BBC South East News will be interviewing dad at his house in fifteen minutes. He’s practising the piece and I am in tears. pic.twitter.com/ekbAJw6jNj
— Nick Harvey (@mrnickharvey) June 24, 2019
— Nick Harvey (@mrnickharvey) June 24, 2019
In fact the song has made such a stir that it’s even set to be recorded and sold to benefit the Alzheimer’s Society.
Hi @alzheimerssoc. Of course, feel free to use the video.
I’ve an idea. How about (dad willing) we get him to record his piece on a nice grand in a nice hall with nice string players and then release it as a charity single for you?https://t.co/QW5l7dLM86
— Nick Harvey (@mrnickharvey) June 25, 2019
After yesterday, I didn’t think things could get much more exciting but @alzheimerssoc are keen to talk about the charity single idea, and (gasp) one of the U.K.’s top recording engineers/producers has just tweeted this:https://t.co/8fsp1m8zLN
— Nick Harvey (@mrnickharvey) June 25, 2019
