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We are proud to present to you "Music & Alzheimers: Cognitive Behavior Modification Through Music." Funded by grants from F.A.O. Schwarz Family Foundation, the Northampton Community Music Center embarked on a project in 2007 to observe how music might improve cognitive behavior and brain function when included in the regular care regimen of nursing home residents living with Alzheimer's Disease. Literally hundreds of students and teachers participated, and word of mouth inspired musicians from all over the region to participate as well. The program was coordinated by Beverly Pickering, Music Specialist R.N. and benefited residents of the Rockwell Alzheimer's Unit of the Northampton Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. We are forever changed by what we all experienced: residents who hadn't spoken in years, singing and recalling memories; individuals being taken off medications because certain aspects of their condition improved. To us, these experiences were nothing short of miracles, and the benefits didn't stop there. In response to witnessing the profound benefits of this program, many of the nurses found themselves more empathetic and attentive to the residents and began bringing more music into their daily lives. Also, our students found themselves learning about the therapeutic power of music, an important lesson that does not come from weekly music lessons alone. The enclosed book was co-authored by Beverly Pickering, George Owens, Pamela Hamberg and myself. 500 copies were printed and distributed free to music school directors all across the country in October of 2010, in the hope that it will inspire others to start similar programs in their own communities. The book is also available as a free download from this website. While we encourage all who are interested to read and use this book for its intended purpose, we ask that no portion of this book be reproduced or distributed without express permission from the Northampton Community Music Center and the book's authors. Regards, Jason Trotta, Executive Director
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