This project explores the relationship between music, memory, and emotion in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, integrating scientific research with real-world perspectives. Interviews with professionals in music and elder care, along with conversations with elderly individuals and caregivers, offer insight into how music functions as both a therapeutic intervention and an emotional anchor in daily life. Together, the literature review and interviews bridge empirical findings with lived experiences, illustrating the multifaceted role of music in supporting memory, identity, and overall quality of life for those affected by Alzheimer’s.

Central to this project is the question of how music can be harnessed to help individuals with memory impairments access memories that may otherwise feel lost. The return of a forgotten memory can be profoundly meaningful—not only for the individual, but also for their loved ones. This work reflects a commitment to identifying meaningful, research-supported ways that families and caregivers can use music to connect with and support those experiencing cognitive decline.