Improving dementia care through music

Eskaton resident Gertrude Lasley enjoys listening to favorite gospel music as a participant in Music & Memory.

Researchers from the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis collaborate with the California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF) on a quality improvement initiative aimed at improving dementia care in skilled nursing facilities.

Associate Professor Elena O. Siegel and Associate Adjunct Professor Debra Bakerjian conduct independent research in a project aimed at improving dementia care. The CAHF Music & Memory Project is designed to improve the lives of residents in skilled nursing facilities who suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders. Music & Memory provides personalized music to 4,500 skilled nursing residents in 300 participating facilities during a three-year period.

Phase two of the project launched in October 2016 and includes enrollment of skilled nursing facilities interested in participating in this life-changing program.

Read more about this project here »

UC Davis Partners with Music & Memory Project