Title: Special session on: Unforgettable- the miracle of music & mind

Biography:

Wayne “Woody” Mesker is the Outreach / Creative Advocacy Director of the Alive Inside Foundation. A life-long Music Lover who just celebrated his 67th Birthday in January has been a performer since he had a vocal solo during his Christmas Concert when he was in first grade. He is also the Founder of Rock Against Dementia (RAD). Along with Purple Angels’ Norman McNamara & Jane Moore he co-founded World Rock Against Dementia (WRAD) in 2016. The event has produced a growing Global impact.

Abstract

It is a well - documented & proven fact that one of the last parts of the brain to be affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other types of Dementia is the part that recognizes & responds to music

Our minds connect to music from pre-birth which presents us with an amazing opportunity to reach those with Dementia or other Cognitive issues especially when using Music that carries some personal / emotional connection.

We will show using video clips how effective this musical intervention is & include testimonials from Family members & volunteers from several of the Alive Inside Foundation’s projects about the “Unforgettable” difference this has made in the lives of the Elders with Dementia & in their own lives as well

I will share my own experience of watching Eleanor come Alive with a little love from two young volunteers & the simple act of listening to her favourite music as well as my experience & those of our young Avalon Park Middle School Choir (Just outside of Orlando) students from Florida.