Evanston, IL

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Institute for therapy through the arts

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Musical Bridges to Memory

Uncovering lost memories through music and

building a bridge

between individuals with dementia and those who love them 

A close up photo of an older woman and younger woman holding hands.

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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.  

 

An elderly woman and younger woman player tambourines together.

“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.”

Upcoming Musical Bridges to Memory Program

This program is specifically designed for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. The program will begin in June.

Program Details:

  • Duration: 12 sessions
  • Date/time:
    • Saturday Sessions: Westminster Place, Evanston
      • June 8th – August 24th (Training June 1st)
    • Wednesday Sessions: Silverado, St. Charles
      • June 5th – August 21st (Training May 29th)

We are seeking volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of those affected by dementia. If you are interested, please fill out this survey to see if you are a good fit for the program.

We are recruiting memory care and long-term nursing home facilities for our ongoing research, pilot, and replication programs.

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.

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.   

ITA Music Therapist singing with elderly man in a room of people singing.

 

Musical Bridges to Memory™ is generously funded by an anonymous donor, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Dementia Society of America.

Learn more about Musical Bridges to Memory™  

Chicago Tribune: Music can call back loved ones lost in Alzheimer’s darkness 

As Our Clients Grow, So Do We!