Arlesia McGowan Period 4- Playing For Time: Can music stave off dementia?

Article by: Elizabeth Landau
Monday September 2, 2013

             We all love music. Who doesn't? Well how would you feel if you learned that music can prevent forms of dementia? Pretty Awesome right? In this article, Elizabeth Landau, provides her concoctions of research due to the claim that music can prevent dementia. To all of those who don't know, dementia is a decline of mental abilities such as thinking, reasoning and memory. Researchers are looking at listening to music or playing a musical instrument as a possible prevention of dementia. The article then goes on to explain that by 2050 elders over 65 with Alzheimer's disease will nearly triple from 5 million to 13.8 million. The cost of dementia in 2050 will be 1.2 trillion according to the Alzheimer Association. They suggest keeping the brain active by learning two languages, listening to music, or learning how to play an instrument. Since music is internationally popular, people will be influenced to do so; this can hold back the symptoms of dementia for up to 5 years. Studies also show that that the benefits of instrumental training can last a lifetime; it is appropriate to start this early, preferably before the age of 9. Listening to music can calm dementia patients, studies show. Being so, at age 101 Frank Iacono still plays the violin, and has been doing so since the age of 13. He is the concertmaster of Providence Civil Orchestra of Senior Citizens in Rhode Island. The reason behind still playing his instrument? "It keeps my mind active, and gives me alot of pleasure" Iacono mentions.
       I was inspired to write a blog about this because I am a musician and although music is over all good for the soul, it was cool to know that it can prevent a disease. Being that I've been playing piano and singing from a very young age I was a little relieved to know that my instrumental learning can prevent my brain from malfunctioning ( if it ever does), when I get older. I know that the majority of my friends love listening to music and I would highly recommend them to maybe start learning an instrument of interest. They don't have have to be a professional, but it would help them in the long run. With learning this information, I will keep it in mind for when I start freaking out when I reach my 60's ;). I will always sing and play my piano until I am physically not able to do so, but until then, I will enjoy every bit of my training in music. ;)



                                        <3, Arlesia :)





Click on it! Here's the Link: http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/31/health/music-dementia-link/index.html?hpt=he_t2