“ Moon River” - Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer or Andy WilliamsĪlso a winner of the Academy Award for Best Original Song, this song became a classic when Audrey Hepburn performed it in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, but also gained popularity from the version by the original composers, Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer, who won multiple Grammys because of it. Folk hymns are a great choice in general, especially if one in particular is close to your loved one’s heart. It saw a resurgence in popularity during the ‘60s. Written by English poet and clergyman John Newton in 1779, the song crossed over to secular audiences in large part because of its universal message of redemption. The renowned hymn is another popular choice for dementia-related playlists due its status as one of the most recognizable songs in the English-speaking world. With its wistful lyrics, it’s a great choice to either put someone at ease or take them back in time. Winner of the 1939 Academy Award for Best Original Song, the ballad is one of the most enduring standards of the 20th century and a classic for multiple generations. This list wouldn’t be complete without Judy Garland’s signature song. “ Somewhere Over the Rainbow” - Judy Garland ” Though its origins are a bit unclear, it was popularized by Jimmie Davis and remains a favorite for all generations due to its simple lyrics and easy tune. “ You Are My Sunshine” - Jimmie DavisĪ traditional piece that almost everyone knows, this song has been covered so many times that it’s become “ one of the most commercially programmed numbers in American popular music. Known as the centerpiece of the musical film of the same name, this song is a common pick for dementia playlists due to its feel-good lyrics and association to Gene Kelly’s now- iconic performance dancing and splashing through puddles during a rainstorm. Music Playlist for Dementia Patients “ Singing in the Rain” - Gene Kelly To provide some inspiration, here is a music playlist of the top 10 songs to play for your loved one with dementia. So what kind of music should you play for your loved one with dementia?Īny music that’s familiar and likable elicits the best responses, and any songs associated with prior experiences - including those of their youth (ages 18 to 25) - have a higher potential for engagement. According to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, when used appropriately, music can “shift mood, manage stress-induced agitation, stimulate positive interactions, facilitate cognitive function and coordinate motor movements.” Many people don’t realize the health benefits of music for those with dementia, especially in aiding patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. “ It was a beautiful thing to watch,” he remembers, “ how by playing this instrument that anybody can play, you can reach into a person’s life and unfreeze them when the medicine may not work fast enough.” Upon doing so, he watched the woman melt out of her anxious state, relax and come back to a state of peace and conversation. One instrument Heineman says that any chaplain is able to play is their smartphone, which is why he took out his, opened YouTube and played the woman her favorite song. “ Over the Rainbow,” she said, “ Judy,” referring to Judy Garland. Heineman approached this woman and asked her one simple question: He described this patient as “ frozen” in an “ anxious state,” incapable of moving or talking when the nurses called upon him to work his magic. Heineman recalls one of his many experiences as a Crossroads chaplain in which music played a significant role in the comfort of his patient. Needless to say, music is very beneficial to dementia patients. “ It touches the soul in many different ways,” he says. Nineteenth century poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once said, “Music is the universal language of mankind.” Crossroads Hospice Chaplain David Heineman shares this philosophy: Top 10 Music Playlist for Dementia Patients
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