The Symphony of Healing
Music’s Profound Influence on Health and Memory
Stephanie Lapré
Music, with its intricate melodies and harmonies, resonates deeply within the human spirit, playing a significant role in our health and well-being. Its power transcends the mere auditory experience, touching the depths of our emotions and memories. This article explores the profound impact of music on health, with a focus on its connection to Alzheimer's and its potential to enhance lifespan, intermingled with personal experiences and insights.
A Personal Prelude: Bernstein and the Orchestra of Life
Reflecting on my own journey with music, I am reminded of a radio commentator's description of an evening with Leonard Bernstein. This anecdote, where a discussion about a Schumann symphony transitions to Bernstein playing a Beatles' songs on the piano, exemplifies the boundless nature of music. My own experience, playing Bernstein’s "Candide Overture" at 15, resonates with this sentiment. The racing squeals of flutes, violins, heralding trumpets, and the guiding tympani, all dancing together in a frantic yet harmonious crescendo, is a vivid metaphor for the multifaceted nature of healthcare – a complex, dynamic orchestra where every note, every role, matters.
Melodic Memories: My Father and Glenn Miller’s ‘String of Pearls’
In the journey with my father, who has fairly advanced Alzheimer's, music has become our most profound connection and healing pathway. One morning, as we sat together having coffee, the strains of Glenn Miller's "String of Pearls" filled the room. Remarkably, it sparked a light in his eyes. Suddenly, he was 15 again, vividly recounting tales of playing the clarinet in his high school band. His eyes were bright, his voice filled with joy and fond memories. This moment was a testament to the power of music - a beacon of light even in the shadows cast by Alzheimer’s.
Music and Alzheimer's: A Connection Beyond Words
For those with Alzheimer's, like my father, music becomes a bridge to lost memories and emotions. Research supports this observation. A study by Gerdner and Swanson (1993) highlights the impact of individualized music in reducing agitation in Alzheimer's patients. The rhythms and melodies, familiar and comforting, can cut through the fog of confusion, reaching parts of the memory that remain untouched by the disease. This phenomenon mirrors the experience of playing in an orchestra, where each instrument plays a unique yet interconnected role, much like the different aspects of our memory and identity.
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Music and Lifespan: Harmonizing Health and Longevity
The melody of music does more than just soothe the soul; it may also play a role in prolonging life. In a study by Fancourt and Steptoe (2019), engagement in cultural activities like music was linked to increased longevity. This research suggests that music, by reducing stress and boosting emotional well-being, might contribute to a longer and healthier life, much like how a well-composed symphony captivates and uplifts its audience.
The relationship between music and health is as complex and beautiful as a grand symphony. For individuals like my father and many others facing the challenges of Alzheimer's, music offers a unique and profound form of connection and healing. In the broader scope of health and lifespan, music's role is akin to an enchanting melody that uplifts, heals, and prolongs the dance of life. As a healthcare leader, I see parallels between the interplay of instruments in an orchestra and the multifaceted world of healthcare – each element critical, each melody contributing to a larger, more magnificent composition.
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Doctor of Behavioral Health
1 年When my father was dying, the two of us sang all of our favorite songs. He knew every word and he was in such a good place. Oh, and a little single malt scotch helped a little, too. When he was unable to speak or sing anymore, I had his favorite music playing softly for him until he passed. I know it helped him - and it helped me, too.
Educator & Science Advocate
1 年Your story reminds me of an experience I had with my grandmother, after she was bedridden by paralysis. When I turned on the radio in her room, she vocalized sounds suggestive of displeasure, so instead I played a CD that belonged to her. She was instantly calmed, and soon fell asleep.