Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible illness of the brain that weakens and kills brain cells, affecting memory, thinking, and other abilities. It is progressive, meaning symptoms get worse as more functions are lost over time. There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed to slow progression and make living with the disease easier. There are currently two drugs (Cholinesterase Inhibitors and Memantine) designed to treat the illness, but the improvement is modest.
Fascinated by the connection between humanity and science, I believe a treatment that combines interpersonal warmth and medical effectiveness is the best way to manage this disease. Non-drug interventions including memory exercises and music therapy can improve the quality of life of people with Alzheimer's and their family members and can help prevent Alzheimer’s-related apathy. My Senior Ventures project focuses on easing the anxiety of patients in our community through conducting music therapy.
Studies have shown that the medial prefrontal cortex, known as the intersection of music, emotion, and memories, happens to be one of the last areas of the brain to atrophy from Alzheimer’s, which means the proper introduction of music to patients may provoke powerful memories. After researching the basic mechanism of the brain, I’m going to survey patients' and their families to determine their favorite music. Preferably this would be songs they enjoyed during adolescence. I will play the song for the patients and record if they find the song familiar, enjoyable, or linked to a specific autobiographical memory. Plus, recording patients’ reactions while listening to various genres of music would help us to design a more effective treatment. Based on the future condition of COVID-19, I would either record the music or play it live. Demonstrating my passion for science and music is exciting, but serving the Darlington community and mitigating stress for the patients and families is even more purposeful.
The Senior Ventures leadership program is a year-long senior project built on a framework of leadership, innovation, and community engagement. The topic and the project design are chosen by an individual student or a pair of students, and the journey is guided by Darlington faculty as well as mentors in the community. Most projects fall into one of the following categories: Investigation, Performance, Entrepreneurship, and Outreach. Candidates are selected according to proposal quality, feasibility, and commitment.
