WELCOME: GLOBAL BHP BRAINTRUST
A Message from Andrea Pfeifer, Chair of the Global BHP BrainTrust
What better time than June, Brain Health and Awareness Month, to reflect on our recent Global US BrainTrust Quarterly Dialogue, ‘Where Music and The Arts Meet Brain Science”. The event aimed to spread awareness and foster discussions about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Our distinguished guest speakers supported this mission by highlighting the profound influence music can have on our brains, our lives and patients’ well-being. Music is universally accessible, allowing everyone the opportunity to leverage its therapeutic benefits.
Renée Fleming, world-renowned soprano and WHO Global Arts & Health ambassador, shared her impactful experiences as an artist. She not only highlighted that music activates extensive areas of our brain offering verified therapeutic benefits. Beyond helping alleviate depression, loneliness and anxiety, it is also used to improve movement and gait in Parkinson’s patients.
Dr. Rudy Tanzi, Director McCance Center for Brain Health, Kennedy Professor, Harvard Medical School and co-author of the book “Super Brain”, shared how music also supports in both stimulation and relaxation. Particularly beneficial for people with early Alzheimer’s disease who might experience memory loss frustration or anxiety about the future, music can ground patients and be a useful tool to better their daily activities. Playing a familiar song from a patient’s teenage years, can stimulate memories and lift their spirits, offering moments of joy.
Meghan Beyer, Director, Art in Embassies, U.S. Department of State emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy and understanding the powerful influence of the arts to connect people globally. Research dissemination is needed promoting music therapy in healthcare to doctors, healthcare networks and advocacy efforts. Families should also be encouraged to inquire about art therapists in memory clinics. Most importantly, we should acknowledge the collaborative efforts of musicians, researchers, governments and foundations in advancing the healing power of music for the mind.