By: Natalie Cooke, News Writer
Music for Memory is an SFU club that raises money and awareness for Alzheimer’s Society of Canada. Over the holidays, Music for Memory hosted a virtual carolling fundraiser where they raised $1,445 for the organization. Club president Evan Wright said in an interview with The Peak, “I was overjoyed with the amount of support I had on this fundraiser.”
Their initial plan was to have an in-person event and to go carolling in the community. The fundraiser was shifted to a livestream due to weather conditions. “Instead of 20–30 people participating, only I and my good friend Raven Gonzales sung on the livestream. We sang a few Christmas classics while playing guitar and piano,” said Wright.
Jinny Kim, Music for Memory’s vice-president, told The Peak, “We hope that our club can raise further awareness of this illness, and to support those that are affected by it.”
“In the new year, we plan on visiting a senior community with seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia,” said Wright. They are planning to hold interviews with people with Alzheimer’s to learn about their music preferences. The club members will then develop playlists to engage a variety of moods. In 2023, Music for Memory is also planning more events such as dance parties with live music, karaoke, a musical chairs tournament, and a talent show.
“The reason we are so focused on musical therapy is that in the majority of cases of Alzheimer’s disease, the part of the brain that associates music and memory together is not affected,” said Wright. “People might forget names, places, and faces but won’t forget specific memories from a song from their childhood. Because of this, listening to music from ones’ adolescence can reduce stress, depression, and improve overall quality of life.”
Wright spent time as a teenager caring for his grandfather who lived with dementia. He shared, “As his condition worsened, I found it harder and harder to connect with my grandfather.” After discovering how music brought back memories for his grandfather, Wright was able to reconnect with him. “I played all his favourite tunes such as Elvis and the Rolling Stones. I saw him almost instantly [become] upbeat and more so mentally present. He was able to communicate memories he had to me because of the songs, like how he [used to wear a] 1950s pompador hairstyle when he was listening to Elvis, or the places he used to go with friends.”
Wright is now bringing this experience to more families that are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. He explained, “Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most prevalent form of dementia, currently has no cure and is very misunderstood.” He reported one in five Canadians care for someone with dementia. Kim added, “Music brings people together, and I am delighted to be a part of this club’s journey.”
For more information on upcoming events and leadership opportunities visit their Instagram @musicformemorysfu.
