Music in Alzheimer's Care

Claudia Glaser-Mussen, the sassy singer/accordionist of the Grammy- nominated children's rock band, Brady Rymer and The Little Band That Could, has a lot to say about her muse, “I can feel my mother's presence on stage, when I perform; she inspires me and I'm able to convey that energy to the audience.” A thread of music runs through Glaser-Mussen’s life: "I grew up in a home where music was a part of our experience,” she says. This thread never became so important for Glaser-Mussen as it did in the final stages of her mother’s life, when she was coping with Alzheimer’s disease. In this compelling WNYC radio interview, Opera Mom, Glaser-Mussen and her brother, violinist Matt Glaser share the role that music had in care of their mother, Jeanette Glaser-Taubin, a professional opera singer. “We saw that the music alleviated mom's psychic pain; it bought her joy.

Music was a way to bond, when she no longer recognized us,” said Glaser-Mussen. Matt and Claudia would play recordings of Mozart, Verdi and pieces such as the Marriage of Figaro. “Mom would pick up the soprano pieces; she was able to access those memories of performing.” Music therapy is now an evidence-based expressive arts intervention increasingly integrated in health care centers throughout the country in treating of a variety of medical conditions. The emphasis in music therapy is not on musical ability or mastery, but rather on engaging in the sensory experience of sound, performance, movement, instrumentation, or voice to affect the patient's well being.

Glaser-Mussen is a passionate advocate for musical intervention in medical care, "Everyone likes a song,” she says, "Find melodies, or lullabies that express feelings, hopes, or provide comfort; anyone can engage with music at any stage of life”. In the end of Glaser-Taubin's life, music eased the distress, providing the Glaser family a means to be present to one another. "Music was that wordless connection," says Glasser-Mussen. "We were able to tell her that we loved her, and give back her gift to us."