My mother was suffering from dementia and
was legally blind. It was difficult to think of activities for her. Then I remembered that
many years earlier she was a fan of a TV program called Sing Along with Mitch,
which featured the Mitch Miller Orchestra. As the
lyrics scrolled across the screen the "home audience" was encouraged
to sing along with the performers.
Now Mother was long past being able to watch
television, but the Mitch Miller audio tapes and CDs were easily available. I
bought one and played it for her. Not only did she enjoy listening to the
music, but she also remembered many of the lyrics to once again "sing
along."
These songs also triggered other memories and Mother
began reminiscing about various people and events, something that she had not done in a very long time. It made us both happy
The Alzheimer's Association recommends using music
therapy and has helpful suggestions for choosing and using music at: http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-music-art-therapy.asp
