Two sisters performing piano to dementia patients after witnessing positive impact
Two young sisters are performing piano concerts for dementia patients at aged care facilities after discovering the calming effect music has on the condition. Residents report that the music helps improve their mood and sense of well-being.
Why it matters
This demonstrates the therapeutic potential of music in managing symptoms of dementia and improving quality of life for residents in care.
Sisters Fei Shan (left) and Min Luo are putting their musical talents to great use. ( ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke )
Link copied Share Share article Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia can rob a person of their memories and communication skills.
However, there is evidence that the ability to recognise music is retained by people with the condition, even as other cognitive abilities deteriorate.
Two young sisters made this discovery, not through scientific research, but by chance.
Min Luo, 12, and nine-year-old Fei Shan were playing piano for a family friend who has dementia when they noticed a change.
"When we visited him, he would usually be a bit stressed.
"But when we started playing, he would usually sit down, and sometimes he would tap his hand in time with the rhythm or hum along," Min said.
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