Sarah Halle Corey
Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that takes away so much from people. Because it impacts brain function, people who suffer from it lose many of their memories and their cognitive functions. There’s still a lot that researchers don’t understand about Alzheimer’s, and there is no cure for the disease. However, sometimes there are bright spots that offer a bit of hope for Alzheimer’s patients.
When one man with Alzheimer’s disease couldn’t remember a song he loved, his caregiver chimed in and they were able to sing together.
Good News Network shared a post describing how an Alzheimer’s patient was struggling to remember the music and lyrics to a song that he loves. He could only remember that he liked Bolero music.
That’s when his caregiver stepped in to sing and the patient was able to join in. Their duet is beautiful, and you can watch below:
People are reacting to the heartwarming video with all kinds of positive messages on Twitter.
https://t.co/Txd8BkfCo8
— pitu (@BardiBoi) August 6, 2019
Watch this for a little extra hope and faith in humanity today. A little bit of positive energy to start the day.
This is so pure ???? more of this… https://t.co/AYnzuAn7Cc
melissa (@patriotmelissa) August 5, 2019
Thought we could all benefit from an example of kindness today. ?https://t.co/YjkcIXPFdc
Michele Goostree (@JediMasterGoose) August 4, 2019
Scientific studies have shown that music can activate numerous areas of the brain, so it makes sense that this caregiver’s generous gesture awoke something in the patient.
Jeff Anderson, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in Radiology at U of Utah Health said:
“People with dementia are confronted by a world that is unfamiliar to them, which causes disorientation and anxiety. We believe music will tap into the salience network of the brain that is still relatively functioning.”