There can be little doubt that when people sing they feel happy. Ever sing in the shower? Sing and dance around the room?......By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room
I can sing the words to many songs that are now considered golden oldies. It might sound odd but I can sing the words to more songs from the 50s then I can from the 60s. From the period when I was 5 years old to 10 years old. The explanation is easy to understand. My sister Joanne was a music nut and had a gigantic collection of 45s. Vinyl records.
In addition, Joanne watched American bandstand. I can still see myself standing on the sofa watching Anerican Bandstand with her. Dick Clark is the only person in the world that look the same at 70 as he did at 20.
I remember being very happy.
So it doesn't surprise me that a person suffering from Alzheimer's disease can get a very different look on their face when they sing. Max called it "more there". But the bottom line is that they are happier.
Happiness is an elusive term when it comes to someone suffering from Alzheimer's. As time goes on they lose the ability to express happiness. The don't laugh and smile the way they did before the disease attacked.
I still remember that long long period when my mother did not smile or laugh for years. Not until we discovered she was suffering from hypothyroidism. The medication worked and she had a good hearty laugh.
Any time my mother smiles, laughs or starts singing my heart soars. I get a gigantic shot of adrenalin running through my body. I feel like can fly.
I know other Alzheimer's caregivers feel the same way. The positive effects of music and song come up all the time in the comments section and emails I receive.
So this one is easy. Let their be song and music and happiness and great big shots of adrenalin.
Let it be....
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Bob DeMarco is the editor of the Alzheimer's Reading Room and an Alzheimer's caregiver. Bob has written more than 1,200 articles with more than 9,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.
Original content Bob DeMarco, the Alzheimer's Reading Room
