Music and Memory

Half Hollow Hills Community Library is participating in a program called “Music and Memory” under the guidance of Dan Cohen, its Executive Director.  This program uses donated iPods and iTunes gift cards to create customized music playlists.  Volunteers throughout New York State help family members or caregivers of dementia and Alzheimer’s patients compile personal favorites lists on iPods. One of the program’s contributors, neurologist and Awakenings author Oliver Sacks, observes that by listening to their music, patients often are “restored to themselves.”

At our library program, on Tues. Dec. 6 at 7 pm, Dan will demonstrate how volunteers, family members and caregivers provide this musical therapy to residents in nursing homes and residential facilities, as well as to their own relatives and friends.  The library will enlist the help of student and adult volunteers to build personalized playlists, and collect donated iPods. 

To see one Alzheimer’s patient named Henry undergo an amazing transformation as he listens to a playlist of his favorite music, go to Dan Cohen’s website:

www.musicandmemory.org

To register, call (631) 421-4530.

For additional information, call Catherine Given, HHHCL Outreach Librarian, at (631) 498-1225.