To mark World Alzheimer’s Day and the start of Dementia Awareness Week Muru Music Health has partnered with Australian Radio Network and Universal Music Australia to give the gift of music to aged care and retirement village residents across the country.
Muru Music Health is a research-based mindful music listening platform designed to help users relax, relive positive memories or to be active while stimulating the brain.
The partnership will see 5,000 Muru Music Health memberships donated to retirement village residents at Stockland and aged care residents in Hammond Care, Plus Communities, and many others centres across the country.
Founder of Muru Music Health Nicc Johnson said, “Today, 22% of the global population is over the age of 60, and every three seconds someone is diagnosed with dementia. While there is no cure to ageing or cognitive decline, research has shown listening to music can reduce anxiety, depression, blood pressure, and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, memory, increase cognitive functions, enhance learning and concentration, and slow down the effects of brain ageing.
“When it comes to music, whether we’re listening or participating, the brain does something magical. The human brain can separate the complex rhythm, melody and emotion of a song in a split second. It can also instantly recognise a song it’s heard before and decide whether we like it or not.
“For people living with Alzheimer’s, therapists and neurologists have found that when a person listens to familiar songs from their youth, it can reduce the level of brain fog and confusion and in some cases enable more effective communication.”
Stockland CEO National Services and Care Manager Natalie Burns said, “At Stockland, we’re always looking for new ways to support our residents and their wellbeing. We know the powerful effects that music can have on our mood and behaviours, and are so pleased to be working with Muru Music Health to offer our residents a chance to incorporate music more seamlessly into their routines, and live happier and healthier lives.”
ARN’s Chief Operating Officer Michael Harvey said, “At ARN we know the power of audio to connect and entertain, so we are proud to partner with Muru Music Health to share that with older Australians. The partnership is supported across the ARN network with GOLD104.3’s Craig Huggins, Mix102.3’s Mark ‘Soda’ Soderstrom, 96FM’s Lisa Shaw and The Edge’s Emma Chow all getting behind Muru Music Health with touching on-air messages.”
Universal Music Australia has partnered with Muru Music Health as the exclusive partner providing access to the most comprehensive catalogue of music from artists across all genres.
President Universal Music Australia & New Zealand George Ash said, “Music has always had a significant impact on social issues. The healing power of music unites us, it helps us navigate through challenging times, whilst reminding us of happy and treasured memories, evoking emotion and sensations like no other medium. Universal Music Australia is proud to be supporting Muru Music Health in their dementia initiative. We look forward to the positive feedback from carers and dementia patients and hope to contribute to their ongoing social and emotional wellbeing.”
Personally commenting on the power of music, acclaimed Australian singer songwriter, Missy Higgins says, “Understanding the power of music and the role it plays in all kinds of healing and therapy is something I understand all too well. Having watched my beloved Grandma endure the effects of dementia, this project is as important as any research currently underway, and any comfort and support that can be provided to the growing number of those affected, is only a positive move forward.”
Country music star Lee Kernaghan, added, “Dementia is a growing problem in Australia and it has a huge effect on every family that it touches. Music can be a powerful tool in assisting patient therapies; that’s why I’m really proud to lend a hand along with my great mates at Universal Music Australia who are yet again showing fantastic social responsibility in their support of Muru Music Health’s Dementia Initiative.”
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