When Memory Fades, Music Remains: Tapping into the Power of Emotional Memories in Dementia Care

Free Clinical Course

2 CE credits

Location: The Bristal Assisted Living at Massapequa
400 County Line Rd.
Massapequa, NY 11758

Course Description: When recalling past events, we may struggle to remember specific details, yet the emotions associated with those experiences often remain vivid. For individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, emotional memories persist much longer than less emotionally charged short- or long-term memories. These memories can be triggered by the five senses—smells, sights, sounds, tastes, and touch—transporting the person back to the original experience as if it were happening in the present.

This clinical workshop will explore how emotions, whether positive or negative, outlast factual memories and shape the lived experience of individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related illnesses. Participants will examine how care partners and professionals can intentionally generate positive emotional experiences while recognizing the enduring influence of emotional life.

A significant portion of this session will focus on the therapeutic use of music as a powerful gateway to emotional memory. Justin Russo, Director of Programming at the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function, will explore how personalized music can access preserved neural pathways, evoke meaningful emotional responses, reduce distress, and enhance connection. Attendees will gain practical guidance on incorporating music intentionally and safely into care settings to promote engagement, communication, and overall wellbeing.

This live, interactive workshop encourages engagement throughout. Attendees may ask questions, participate in instructor-led discussions, engage in case vignette analysis, and take part in a Q&A session.

From this workshop you will be able to:

1. Explain how emotional memories persist longer than factual memories in individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Describe how sensory stimuli—particularly music—can trigger emotional memories and influence behavior and lived experience.
3. Identify evidence-informed approaches for using personalized music to evoke positive emotional responses and reduce distress.
4. Apply practical strategies that tap into emotional memory to strengthen connection, enhance communication, and promote overall wellbeing.
5. Adapt care practices to acknowledge and honor the emotional life of individuals with dementia as a central part of person-centered care.

Agenda
5:00 – 5:30 – Dinner 
5:30 – 5:50 – Brief presentations from our sponsors
5:50 – 8:00 – Workshop (10 min break included)

Hosted and Sponsored by:

Sponsor:

Presenter: Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, SIFI
Jennifer Reeder is the Director of Education and Social Services for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. This includes overseeing AFA’s National Toll-Free Helpline staffed by licensed social workers, and community class programs all instructed by various therapists and educators. Ms. Reeder graduated in 2011 from Temple University with a Maters of Social Work, and entered the not-for-profit sector providing in-home therapy to families in the Philadelphia area for over 9 years. She is proud to now be supporting individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia-related illnesses while providing clinical guidance to the licensed social workers of AFA. She encourages engagement and peer support from attendees, while drawing from real life situations to enhance the learning process.

Presenter Bio: Justin Russo
Justin Russo is the Director of Programming at the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF), a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the therapeutic power of music to awaken, stimulate, and heal. In his role, Justin oversees IMNF’s training initiatives, including Best Practices from Music Therapy for Using Music in Senior Wellness and Healthcare and the MUSIC & MEMORY® Certification Program, which trains care professionals to implement personalized music as a non-pharmacological intervention for individuals living with dementia and related conditions. Since 2015, he has supported the Music & Memory program’s growth to over 5,800 certified healthcare organizations worldwide.

AFA #1898 is approved as an ACE provider.
This training is approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) to provide Continuing Education (CE) Credits and pre-approved by the Commission for Case Management Certification (CCMC). AFA is an approved continuing-education provider for licensed social workers by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).