Radio, Audio and Music

October 14, 2020 (c) by Judith Allen Shone

Families from around the world search for audio materials for persons with dementia and their families. While these sounds may reflect various countries, the sound of music still has the same impact on our brain.

See also our Musical Moments page with videos of songs and music

MUSIC ENGAGES THE FULL BRAIN: Dr. Sanjay Gupta said on CNN, when explaining the complexity of the brain and how it relates to the music, that:

“We find that when someone is asked to sing a song, for example, after a brain injury, how many different parts of the brain get utilized. First, you’ve got to remember the words to that song, and then you’ve got to carry those words across from one side of the brain to the other, to allow someone to actually begin to say those words. Then you’ve got to carry a tune. That requires messages going across the middle of the brain as well, and then sometimes you can stand up and do some moves with the music and that can reestablish rhythm.”

MUSIC HELPS WITH MEMORY, (from Dementia Radio):
1. Memory support…long after the memory is gone, the music lingers. “Researchers believe musical memories are retained longer as they are stored beyond affected areas.”
2. Trigger special memories…”Music and… associated emotions may be positive and uplifting as we use music as a form of celebration or occasion.”
3. Expression…”Tapping, rocking, clapping – any responsive behavior becomes an opportunity for self-expression, communication, and connection” when words fail.
4. Familiarity...”…music is powerful, yes, but the studies overwhelmingly show that personalized music is far more so the benefits can be multiplied if the music played is to the taste, liking, culture, and background of the patient,”
5. Social and emotional needs…Like the human voice that comforts and soothes, music can assist with inclusion, connection, attachment, and comfort.

MAKE YOUR OWN YOUTUBE PLAY LIST…and make it private, if you like….While you discover the perfect music for the day or for your loved one, find peace and comfort listening to Yo-Yo Ma play ‘Gabriel’s Oboe’…

Create your own YouTube playlist for continued videos and music. Listen while you read, or clean house, meditate or browse right here! 😊

VIDEO & MUSIC STREAMING SITES Create a playlist

YouTube… You can build playlists and listen to your selected tunes anytime, anywhere as long as you are connected to the internet. If you want to remove the ads played before each video and enjoy the offline video playback feature, you can also subscribe to YouTube Music Premium. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a new playlist on YouTube.
Spotify…a diverse collection of 30 million songs, you can also use it for free if you don’t mind the ads. Otherwise, there is also a premium version. See this webpage for instructions on how to create a playlist on Spotify.
SoundCloud…a music-streaming site that allows people to upload audio files they produce. If you opt for the paid version, you can eliminate ads and listen to songs and/or other audio files offline. Follow this guide to create a playlist on SoundCloud.
Amazon Music Unlimited…on-demand music-streaming service free to its prime members. Appears to 0.99 month normally. Compatible with Amazon Echo.Visit the Amazon Help & Customer Service page to learn how you can build a playlist.

You may find a radio is helpful, specifically for one with memory loss. There are specific radios that can be used with the loved one by caregivers or by a Certified Music Therapists.

BBC MUSIC MEMORIES UK “…designed to use music to help people reconnect with their most powerful memories.”

“Evidence shows that music can help people – including those living with dementia – to feel and live better. Create a playlist and take part in our survey to help us discover the nation’s favourite music memories.”

  1. Classical music
  2. Popular music
  3. Theme Tunes
  4. UK Nations music
  5. International music
  6. Social music
  7. Memory radio

DEEPNESS DEMENTIA MEDIA Western Isles, Scotland, UK
“Bringing people living with dementia together through a series of projects that boost one’s autonomy and sense of purpose”

Deepness Dementia Media is an organisation that provides radio shows, online education courses and many other projects in order to encourage living well with dementia. We help those going through dementia maintain their freedom and get the most out of life. Our community welcomes not just those affected directly by dementia but also family members, young carers, friends, workers, and educators. By coming together in a warm, friendly space, people receive a valuable level of activity and stimulation.

ALZHEIMER’S STORE- CANADA …has old radios and flash drives with music that are for those with memory loss.

Products sold in Canadian dollars, shipped from Canada.

Alzheimer’s Store-US – Music Therapy for Dementia & Alzheimer’s. Music therapy products work synergistically for patients with Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory loss. These music products can be used by caregivers or by a Certified Music Therapists*. We observe that music relieves the stress, anxiety and depression of the patient as well as reducing their agitation. 

~jas

“Music, Radio, and Audio” copyright (c) 2020 Judith Allen Shone

Find confidence, encouragement and resources in these pages other caregivers shared. …Caregivers have the support of other caregivers.

These two books were written to share spouse-caregiving.

Order from Amazon or local booksellers. … eBook, paperback and hardcover available in both books. Judith Allen Shone, author.