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Research shows that music is profoundly linked to personal memories. Our brains are hard-wired to connect music with long-term memory, and favorite songs can calm chaotic brain activity and enable a listener — even the most memory-impaired — to focus on the present moment and connect again with other people.
Ted McDermott, 79, was diagnosed with dementia in 2013 and now has Alzheimer’s. But prior to the difficulties with his memory, Ted was a singer and entertainer, performing throughout England. Although he has trouble recognizing family and friends now, singing “brings him back,” even just for a few minutes.
“Now when we’ve got him singing again he’s back in the room,” says Ted’s 40-year-old son Simon “Mac” McDermott, who made this video to honor his dad who will be turning 80 soon, as well as to raise money for Alzheimer’s. The pair drive around the city singing away to “Quando, Quando, Quando.” The video clip has gone viral and the younger McDermott hopes to post more videos of his Dad’s performances in the coming days.
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And today we celebrate...