After suffering a traumatic brain injury in his early sixties, Rob Kaufman spent a month in intensive care in a medically induced coma, followed by nine weeks of rehabilitation and speech therapy. Today, the former studio musician, who says he once played alongside Jimi Hendrix, lives with significant short-term memory loss.
Music therapy became an important part of his recovery; and he and his wife, Ellen, now regularly attend a Manhattan concert series designed for people living with dementia and cognitive impairment. The couple recently joined around 100 attendees for the programme’s 10th anniversary concert, featuring the Calidore String Quartet at Lincoln Centre.
The series was created after Lincoln Centre noticed longtime patrons were no longer renewing subscriptions because dementia had affected them or their loved ones. “We felt a responsibility to fill that gap”, said accessibility director Miranda Hoffner.
Dementia, a progressive condition that affects memory, movement and daily functioning, impacts millions worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, around 57 million people were living with dementia in 2021, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed annually. As populations age and life expectancy increases, cases are expected to continue rising.
Emily Finkelstein, a geriatrics specialist at New York-Presbyterian, said research consistently highlights the benefits of art, music and dance therapy for people with cognitive impairment. However, such programmes remain limited and difficult to access for many Americans.
Lincoln Centre’s free concerts are tailored to people with dementia and their caregivers. The performances are relaxed and interactive, encouraging audience members to sing, move and participate. Workshops led by music therapists and teaching artists follow each concert.
For Kaufman, now 73, the programme offers more than entertainment. “When we’re in a community like this, everybody’s accepting”, he said.
Ellen Kaufman said the programme provides vital support for families facing the challenges of dementia, helping them stay connected and engaged through music. — AFP
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