Friday, March 29, 2024

Timer

Helping dementia patients through music

First Published:

Music can awaken memories and help people to connect. That’s why its being used as therapy for dementia patients in a Welland care home.

For Mary-Lou McIvor finding the right words can be difficult, but singing comes second nature. Before being diagnosed with dementia, McIvor worked for the government during the week and would sing professionally on the weekends. The 81-year-old now lives at Niagara Health’s Extended Care Unit, and participates in the memory and music program.

After determining which artists and songs resonate with each resident, staff download a personalized playlist onto an iPod.

The staff say since they started the program 2 years ago its helped improve the mood and behaviour of residents.

While it can’t cure the confusion that comes with Alzheimer’s, it can brighten a day.

More Top News

County Council approves emergency funding for gender-based violence organizations

County of Brant Council approved a one-time allotment of $266,177 to be split between Intimate Partner and Gender-based Violence organizations during their regular Council...

Police searching for missing 78-year-old last seen in Burlington

Hamilton police are turning to the public for help finding a missing 78-year-old man. Ronald Mitton was last seen in Burlington near Harvester Road and...

Masked man who robbed Beamsville dispensary at gun point at large

Authorities are on the hunt for a man who robbed a cannabis dispensary at gunpoint in Beamsville. Authorities say they were called out to the...

Pioneering soccer star helped build foundation for future generations

Lydia Vamos excelled at every level she played at and established herself as one of the early Canadian soccer stars to lay the foundations...

Apartment fire in Hamilton captured on video

An apartment fire in Hamilton was caught on video and shared to social media yesterday. No one was injured but the fire department says that...

What’s open, closed in Hamilton, Halton and Niagara for Easter long weekend

The Easter holiday marks the first long weekend of Spring, and it brings closures that can affect businesses, city services and public transportation. Here’s a...

County Council approves emergency funding for gender-based violence organizations

County of Brant Council approved a one-time allotment of $266,177 to be split between Intimate Partner and Gender-based Violence organizations during their regular Council...