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ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Plaza Health Network –

Giving the Gift of Personal Music to Alzheimer’s Patients

There is truth to the sayings, “All it takes is one song to bring back 1,000 memo- while listening to their personalized music playlists. They are more interactive with
ries” or “Music is the soundtrack of my life.” It’s because music can often trigger some each other, more energetic and happier all around! By bringing back the past we hope
of our happiest memories in life and why we choose songs to mark milestones such to stir their memories….and their emotions. ” says Rachel Schuster, MPA, NHA, the
as weddings, graduations and even birthdays. Administrator at South Pointe Plaza, and Executive Vice President of Plaza Health
There’s also a science behind music and its effect on the brain. That’s why Plaza Network, who first embraced the initiative.
Health Network’s South Pointe Plaza and Jackson Plaza have implemented the Music According to the Alzheimer’s Association, by 2050 the number of people age 65 and
& Memory program geared toward patients with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and older with Alzheimer’s disease may nearly triple, from 5.2 million to a projected 13.8
other cognitive disorders. While Alzheimer’s disease damages the ability to recall facts million. This is why it is important to begin implementing programs now that can get
and details, it usually does not destroy the lasting connections between a favorite song individuals with the disease out of a state of complete apathy and respond to stimu-
and special music memories from important events. Plaza Health Network centers are lation. Ultimately, the goal for Plaza Health Network is to have this program available
using music to access those memories stored deep in the brain by tapping into the at all seven of their centers throughout Miami-Dade County.
emotion that one’s special music can provoke. “This program was launched through our philanthropic efforts,” said Ilene Zweig,
“Music appreciation is an ability that remains in patients with cognitive deprecia- Executive Director of the Plaza Health Network Foundation. “Our next step is to con-
tion, even after other abilities have faded away,” said Elaine Bloom, Plaza Health tinue to raise funds so we may expand this program to
Network Chief Executive Officer, “Our Music & Memory program our additional facilities and thus bring this life-chang-
affects patients’ quality of life and sets Plaza Health Network ing experience to even more of our patients.”
apart as an innovative leader in care and services for our elder- The Music & Memory program at South Pointe
ly.” Plaza is funded by the Plaza Health Network
Research has shown that music can improve awareness, Foundation and the 2015 Women of
mobility, socialization and temperament in individuals with Distinction & Caring luncheon. At Jackson
cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. It can also Plaza, the Music & Memory program is
reduce the need for certain medications. Because funded by the Anthony R. Abraham
Alzheimer’s impairs the ability to recall facts and details Foundation.
but usually does not destroy the lasting memories stored
deep in the brain, music of the person’s life can help them
reconnect. For more information about Plaza
South Pointe Plaza and Jackson Plaza each have Health Network and its Music & Memory
approximately 40 patients enrolled in their Music & program, and to find out how to fund the
Memory programs. Each participant receives an IPod and Music & Memory pro-
headphones to listen to a personalized playlist that is cre- gram at one of the five other centers of
ated for him/her based on discussions with the patient the Plaza Health Network, visit
and members of their families. Playlists are refreshed www.phnfoundation.org
approximately every three months. or call (305) 917-0405.
“It is a great pleasure to observe the residents smiling

Is Your Alzheimer’s Patient Ready for Hospice Care?

VITAS is Ready to Help.

VITAS brings comfort and dignity to Alzheimer’s patients near
the end of life, and support to their families.
If your patient meets the following criteria, they may be
hospice-appropriate:

• A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or advanced dementia
• Unable to dress, bathe and walk without assistance

• Urinary and fecal incontinence
• No consistently meaningful verbal communication:
stereotypical phrases only or speaks six words or fewer

• Treated for any of the following in the past year: aspiration
pneumonia, urinary tract infection, septicemia, pressure ulcers,
fever recurrent after antibiotics, unintentional weight loss
(>10%), low serum albumin (< 2.5 gm/dl)

Find out how VITAS can help care for your
patients or residents with advanced Alzheimer’s.

800.93.VITAS • VITAS.com
SINCE 1980

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