I perform in several assisted living facilities where nearly everyone has Alzheimers or dementia. Most of these folks couldn't tell you their own names, but when I fire up the keyboard, everything is upbeat. Ironically, some individuals that appear to be sound asleep and totally out of it, suddenly wake up when the music starts, sing most of the words, clap their hands, tap their feet, and some even try to get up and dance. After a bit of research I discovered that music is one of the few things they can remember, even after they've lost the ability to remember their own spouse and children. At the end of the hour, some will actually ask when you expect to be coming back. They're looking forward to that next time you make their day a memorable occasion.

Gary