Uncovering lost memories through music and
building a bridge
between individuals with dementia and those who love them
—
Musical Bridges to Memory™ is a one-of-a-kind program, unique for its emphasis on supporting the relationship between individuals with dementia and their families. ITA partners with memory-care facilities in the Midwest region of the United States to teach caregivers and family members of people living with the disease how music-based techniques can be used to stimulate memory and language, thereby prolonging the length of time that families remain in harmony.
“The visits with Mom were more pleasant when we were doing the music program because it seemed to be a more productive time than me just trying to elicit responses from her. I learned how important it was to not frustrate her while we were communicating. The sessions gave me new ideas on how to interact with her to make sure we enjoy our time together.”
Our Mission
Bridging relationships between people with dementia, their families, and the greater community who serve them through live musical interactions, training, and research in music-based approaches.
Musical Bridges to Memory™ is generously funded by an anonymous donor, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Dementia Society of America.
Join us for our next virtual program!
ITA is excited to announce a virtual Musical Bridges to Memory program, beginning in January 2023! This virtual program will allow for individuals with dementia and their companions to safely benefit from the interactive music program. Facilitated by an ITA music therapist, both live and recorded music will be used. Participants can expect to enjoy all of the benefits of the MBM program, including: live engaging music, learning ways to use music to connect with loved ones, and professionally recorded music from a wide variety of genres and artists.
For more information and to learn if this is the right program for you: Contact Jeffrey Wolfe, (224) 307-6704 or jwolfe@itachicago.org.
To learn how you can support this program or bring Musical Bridges to Memory™ to your memory-care facility:
Contact Jeffrey Wolfe, 224-307-6704.
Learn more about Musical Bridges to Memory™
Chicago Tribune: Music can call back loved ones lost in Alzheimer’s darkness