This research investigates the impact of music on memory for individuals with dementia, aiming to find non-pharmaceutical therapeutic techniques. This study focuses on the potential of using music, specifically songs they enjoyed in their youth, memories that were believed to be forgotten would be triggered back into short term memory. In addition, this could be specifically significant to adults in a relationship. If an individual were to listen to a song that was meaningful in their relationship (first dance song,) this will help the individual diagnosed with dementia remember their partner, and possibly signal for an intimate moment, like holding hands or kissing. The ultimate goal is to enact music in a care note as a therapeutic technique to de-escalate individuals with dementia. With the retrieval of memory, individuals would be less confused and would calm their emotional states.
    This investigation will take place starting January 2025, and will be conducted as a pre-test/post-test survey and qualitative interview. Individuals will be given a basic memory test, followed by listening to their favorite songs in youth, and then the test will be given again. However, researchers are mainly looking for observational intimacy data. 
    Results are impending, but based on literature search conducted, it is believed that results will be very impactful. This study is inspired by the documentary Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory (Rossato-Bennett). This video discusses the benefits of music therapy, with personal stories from individuals with dementia and caregivers with the intervention of songs. 
    Music as an intervention could increase the quality of life for residents and provide a multitude of therapeutic techniques. In addition, it can increase the quality of life for families as we hypothesize that music could bring memories back.