I logged on to ask a question about music and voila you have this thread!

How about specific songs you love that could actually be sung by ordinary folk? (I'm not sure we could do rounds of 'I can't get no satisfaction."). However "Let It Be" is just splendid to sing with friends.

A friend's husband at 50 is in daycare and he just is not getting off on "Daisy Daisy."

I've been thinking of putting together a song book for EOAD... Should I start another thread or is this one ok?

Dear message board mates:
Something is troubling me. How is it that people with AD can remember details about songs, musicians, and playing instruments, when I don't have AD but I can't remember nearly as much? I can remember if I am reminded, but I cannot recall these musicians and songs by myself.

Iris L.

Iris,
What I have been told & know for a fact since I have EOAD, is I can remember things from my past, music, groups and about my childhood. The long term memory is the last to go. My short term memory is very bad. I have lost a lot of sense of smell and taste. The crazy thing about alz is it's effects everone different. I have lost simple math skills, spelling is terrible and my handwriting has even changed. I just feel blessed that I can remember for now my children being young, what a wonderful childhood I had and all the fun I had in school. I just can't understand why this had to happen to me. But, it did & I try hard everday to live with it. I look at life different now, which may be a good thing. I now tell the people I love how much I love them and cherish all I do have.

Sharon

Iris, I started learning to play musical instruments in elementary school, was pretty good in high school and after. Practically my whole life I've been involved with music, so I think it's ingrained very deeply. But, I am losing some of my musical acumen, e.g. picking up a key change during a song. It just doesn't make sense to me, where before it did.

Best albums . . . that's tough, because I like so much. I see "Tapestry" as great, but in a different way than I might like a Vivaldi piece, or Led Zeppelin, or Jimmy Buffet, Mozart, Sugarland, Bon Jovi, Springsteen, Carlos Santana and whoever he's playing with at the time, etc.

The list goes on much longer! I can't recall album names today, sorry.

Blood Sweat & Tears, Alan!

The group Chicago came out about that same time, but BS&T had 'em beat by a mile!

David Clayton-Thomas was to BS&T what Robert Plant was to Led Zep!

All right, let's start this little deal, okay?

(Cowbell) * * * *

(Voice) "What goes up - must come down. Spinnin' Wheel.... got to go round....."

That's all I'm givin' ya, Dude!

Bill

One of the differences with memory of old songs depends on whether you sang along. If you did, then it is stored as auditory memory and verbal memory. They are connected but not exactly the same.

Some people can only memorize effectively if they repeat the words out loud. If they only visualize the words or hear the words, they do not get stored in memory as well. In the educational setting, this is called multi-sensory learning.

Some of you musicians probably played along, whether it was air-guitar or air-piano or with a real instrument. This enhances memory.

I have stated this before but will repeat it for others. Memory has three phases. Immediate, short term or delayed, and long term. Long term memory gets stored at night while we sleep. The brain goes over the day's input and throws out the worthless mundane items and organizes and stores the important or more relevant memories. The next time the same idea, formula, word, name, or definition is in the daily memory, it stores another copy of this same information in a new location. This way, you have multiple memory paths to follow to find these long term memories. The more sensory input connected to the item memorized, the more paths. You can have a visual, auditory (both sounds heard and sounds expressed), or tactile path. The more paths, the better the memory. In AD, the more recent memories have not been reinforced by repetition like the older memories. As these recent poorly established paths weaken, the memory is lost or harder to recall. This would be those memories that need a prompt to recall. The older memories have so many paths that they are recalled much more readily.

These memory concept may not be exactly correct but the general concepts are there.

With my father and father-in-law, as their recent long term memories faded away, their older memories surfaced and started to define who they are at the present. My father-in-law resurrected the tasks he had to get done when he worked as a production manager or traffic manager in a factory. My dad became engrossed in the world of top secret surveillance satellites. He became ever vigilant to the need to be extremely protective of the work he was doing (in his head) due to the secrecy needs.

I have an uncle who was a train conductor/brakeman long ago. As he declined, he started pulling up these memories and could call out the stops and signals just like he did back in the 1950 in the mountains of northern California. It was very comforting to see him go through these memories that he held so fondly. He appeared to be fully engrossed and enjoying these train trips. These were the last memories he could verbalize as he lost awareness of his surroundings.

But I digress. I think we were talking about music.

Hey,
LOVED the cowbell! lol
What about C,S,N & Y?? What harmony, what songs?
The Eagles! Wow! Music could always put me in a better place. Billy Joel.
Led Zeplin, Yes! Been there, Done that. Could do it again!
What about Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, Anyone remember King Crimson?
My ex used to tell me I that I had "selective memory" meaning I'd only remember what I wanted to! He was such a fool! But a great drummer! OOOPs getting off track here.
There's so much wonderful music out there! I wish I could remember it all.
But, I'm still a BEATLES freak at heart! lol

Thanks again, Mark. I never heard memory explained so understandably (is that a word?).

Iris L.

I remember King Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King. This has been a very interesting string for me to follow. I am 60 with what is called EOAD, undiagnosed however. I do not plan to have the diagnosis since I have two older siblings that have had it; one recently deceased and the other "stage 6." I know all the signs and so does my family.
Music seems to be more and more improtant to me as time passes. My first love is deep, heavy classical - symphonies by composers such as Sibelius (I am 100% Finnish) Bruckner, Mahler, Schubert and some others are my favorite. I seem to relate more with the music the more that this thing progresses. It is deeply spiritual along with the intense feeling for nature that I have in the northwoods.
I also enjoy serious rock, Genesis, Renaissance, and Yes to name a few as well as the Moody Blues.
It is very interesting to read everyone's comments especially regarding depression which I struggle with silently and constantly. The music does seem to help significantly and gives me hope and understanding.
Keep listening as a way of embracing your situations. The mind is full of alternate pathways that we can use to live within this condition. Our operaing consciousness rests on only about 10% of our mind; there is much to explore underneath, sort of like an iceberg.

Noel,

Regarding your comment about forgoing a diagnosis. Are you aware that Social Security Disability, if applied for and approved may be better than your Social Security Retirement? The payment amount that is higher will continue after retirement age.

In my case, the SSDI is about $400 more than the age 62 Retirement benefits.

There can be benefits to getting an accurate diagnosis, even if it take a while to get approved. With the added costs of caring for a person with AD, that extra money cab come in handy.

Dear Noel t,
Hello and Welcome to the AD Message Boards. I'm sorry about your condition but I am glad you've found us.
You're the 1st person to remember "The Court of the Crimson King!" Wow, I still have that album.
I too love some classical music but it is not my passion. I agree with you that there are times when music is better than almost anything!

I do have to add to Mark's comments and ask "Why won't you go to the doctor and get diagnosed? Is it too final? Have you given up on trying to at least slow this monster down if in fact you have it?" Just because other family members had it doesn't mean you do!

Please, please see the doctor to be sure.

Please, come here often and share your thoughts, fears, feelings with us.

We are here.

Noel, try imagining this with your eyes closed, nice and relaxed: The scene is 4 years from now, and you're in the doctor's office, getting results of some tests. Looking grave, the doctor intones, "You have a profound B-12 deficiency. If only it had been diagnosed a few years ago, supplements might have brought you back to normal. Unfortunately, it's too late now, too much damage has been done."

Seriously dude, don't self-diagnose.

Noel

I agree with everyone on this thread. After two years of complaining to my Dr's that something wasn't right and, finally, they listened and tested me, guess what...Alzheimer's skips generations in my family. I was told I have EOAD @49 last Aug 08. If I was told I had a vitamin deficiency or had a thyroid problem, I wouldn't be on this everlasting emotional roller coaster trying to run away from the monster! In my case, it is what it is, I just try to take each day as it comes. And thanks for these threads with friends who deal with the same issues! It's a place to vent, laugh, cry, get opinions and medical information.

Don't wait, at least you can ease your mind and who knows move on with your life's dreams!
M

Hey Lisa,
I saw James Taylor jast week on Ophra and I thought the very same thing. His voice is still immactlament (sp) after all these years. Yes, his hair is gone, no bid deal. And having 2 young kids at the age I believe they said at 63 have to keep you going.
I've heard other singers preform from the 70's and 80's over the last 10 yr's and their voices don't quite cut it like back in the day,...
But James Taylor did. Ophra saw it too. His looks did surprise at first, but once he started singing he still did have it!
Marcia

Noel,
Are you there? We're worried about you. But if you don't want to talk about then let's talk more music!
Please, teach me more about classical music?

Getting caught up here...
This is a great group and thank you for all of your responses. When you have something in common be it AD or music, there can be a lot to discuss and it makes it enjoyable.
I appreciate the input.
I am still working at my fairly technical position after over 30 years. I recently had a change of position from something I was no longer able to handle to more hands-on type of work that suits my current skills better and is a lot more fun. My employer does not know anything about my emerging condition and I need to keep it that way since I am the breadwinner in my large family and still have younger children at home to provide for. I have no immediate plans for retirement or disability as long as I am able to cope however challenging it is from time to time.
No diagnosis for me. There is no advantage in my case. I am working with my wonderful primary doctor and it is our goal to get me to 70 by keeping the mind active, eating a healthy vegetarian diet, exercise, and a regimented program of vitamins and supplements including the necessary B-complex group. Meditation and relaxation, de-stressing are also a part of this including classical music. This is all important. I do not want to be on any prescription meds.
Personally I have no doubt about my condition and I am ok with it. I don't worry about it for various reasons mainly because I have seen what has become of my other AD family members who are or have had the advance stages.
I don't mind talking about it, actually I rather enjoy it. But I have to keep it private since I have good insurance and a job and I need to hang on to it at least for now.
Lisa - I would love to teach you more about classical music. Do you listen to it at all?
I can make some listening suggestions if you would like.
James Taylor - my favorite from him is still "Sweet Baby James."
I am glad to know there are others out there who remember King Crimson. Those of us who do would never forget the album cover.
Do not worry about me...we are all in the loving care of our God.

noel t

Noel, by all means don't give information that would make you identifiable, here or anywhere on the net. You probably know that, but I needed to say it. Searching the web to see what your employees are up to, has been known to happen.

What's being Finnish imply? Is the Finnish culture famous for particular things? I know nothing in that area, so, what's the lowdown?

Marcia, Noel, Alan and Mary et al,
I agree that James still sounds pretty good. Much better than some of those older guys/gals still performing.
Noel, just wanted to welcome you and encourage you to keep coming and posting. I don't know a lot about classical but I am willing to learn.

Hi All,
I hate to complain but I am SO sick of that rap crap music! I went to a school fair today to see a friend's daughter do her cheer leading thing on stage. ALL I heard was that same rap crap over and over! Louder and louder! I thought I was gonna have to leave. Is that the only music kids listen to today??? I'm so disappointed. I love almost all music. But that .......stuff?! Just can't take it!

Sorry, hope I didn't offend anyone!

Count me as one of the guys who, when rap first came out, figured it would go away after a year or two.

If I'm forced to hear it, I try to focus on the rhythm part, ignore the words. It's either that, or gouge out my eardrums. I can't believe people like it, I truly can't understand how people like it.

I wasn't aware that rap WAS music! I think about as just another form of air polution.
Alan, on being Finnish, I was talking about classical composers; Siblelius was a Finnish composer and I relate to his style of music very well. It is full of national folk melodies and lore.
Lisa, rent some of the later Mozart symphonies on CD from your local library. I recommend Symphony No's 38 through 41. Relax, close your eyes and absorb.

Noel,
Thanks for the tips! I'll go rent away Mozart symphonies 38 - 41 . Will it bring me to another place? time? Moment? Will I see the music? Smell and taste it?

I can't wait.

Let's forget about the rap. Maybe others will too?! lol

Hi to All,
Going to the 1ST day of Jazz Fest tomorrow. Wish me luck. I hope the noise and commotion doesn't make me crazy.
I used to LOVE jazz fest! I hope I can still enjoy it!

Wish you could ALL come with me!

Hi to All,
Attended the 1st day of the 40th Jazz Fest yesterday. It was wonderful. Hot and humid but wonderful! I made it!
The day ended with Joe Cocker! What a finish! He can still spasm and whail!! lol

Very tired today. Friends were going again today but I just couldn't make it.

Will try again tomorrow or next week.

Wish I could have shared it with ALLof YOU!!

I would never have thought of Joe Cocker as Jazz. What genre he fits, I don't know, but Jazz?

I think rap is based on the "annoy the other people" attitude. The more the kids annoy the other people, the greater their standing. Some father probably told his son to stop playing that crap and the name stuck, they just dropped the c to get along with mom.

Have you ever had those moments when you think you are going nuts because of the coincidences that happen? Years ago when MC Hammer was popular, I was driving in San Jose and the radio was using his "Can't Touch This" bit as a tag line. Just as the words "Can't Touch This" were said, my eyes caught the graphics on the tailgate of a tricked out mini-truck that said, "Can't Touch This." I did a double take. Did I hear the words or was my mind playing tricks on me?

It is just like doctors and their non-diagnosis. They say the statistics say you should not have such and such disease. But, statistics of high improbability do not prevent the statistical anomaly from taking place. Eventually, somebody wins the lottery no matter how high the odds.

Mark,
You are correct, Joe Cocker does NOT fit the Jazz bill. There are many kinds of performers at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival! It's Not 100% Jazz.
Joe Cocker was fantastic!

It's funny you mentioned MC Hammer. He was one of the few then rappers that I could sometimes handle listening to. My daughter was a fan so I took her to the concert (like a good Mom should) but I couldn't handle the concert. Luckily, We had gone with my cousin and her daughter. The place vibrated my chest so badly that I became sick. I had to stand outside to finish. Ahhh, What we do for our children!! lol

Hi to All,
Well, I will be attending my 2nd day of Jazz fest tomorrow.

Wish me luck!

Wish I could bring y'all with me!

Rock on! Or whatever jazz folks say to each other.

Hi to Everyone who loves Music,

I did attend Jazz Fest yesterday. It was wonderful although extremely HOT and Humid. Had to really stay hydrated!

Saw many local acts that were wonderful. Saw a band called Sugarland that was terrific.

Saw Bonnie Raitt. Wow, she can really play and guitar! And sing.

Ended the day with Tony Bennett. What a wonderful finish!

Had y'all with me the whole time!

Sugarland, the country stars? I love Jennifer what's-her-name, incredible voice, can really transmit emotions through it. Watch the official video of "Stay," which is mostly a camera right up on her face, with no makeup, and watch her emotions play out through the song.

She did a great duet with Jon Bon Jovi too. "Who Says You Can't Go Home," I think.

Hi Music Lovers,
I did attend a third day of Jazz Fest. It was great too. Ended with Neil Young. What a finish then the heavens opened! It was great!

I haven't danced in the rain in a long while. It felt great!

Dear Lisa,
Listening to music on the radio is the only bright spot in my life now.

I went to the Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans in 1986, my first time in the Big Easy.
It was my first time hearing zydeco. Just thinking about you enjoying the Festival makes me feel a bit better.

Iris L.

Dear Iris,
I'm so glad you were able to come to Jazz Fest back in '86.
I do still love music but I can't always listen to it. That's strange, huh?
Just like I have to watch TV in small doses. I'm not sure why although I do know tv can be very irritating to me. But, everything can be irritating to me sometimes! I guess I'm the problem.

I'm glad you were able to feel better.

Thanks for sharing.

Music anyone??
I still LOVE music! It really turns me on!

I saw, Bye,Bye, Birdie the other day and I can't get the music/songs out of my head.

Taking Dad to see "Oliver" for Father's Day!

Did anyone ever see that Hall & Oates special years ago at the Statue of Liberty?? They sang "Hot Fun in the Summertime!" It was great! I was wondering how to find it on line??


What about you?

What music to YOU like?

Please, share with us!!

Five hundred twenty five thousand, six hundred minutes, Five hundred twenty five thousand seasons of Love. I.e., have you rented "Rent" lately?

I like being alone in the house, cranking up the speakers, and going to YouTube. Search for a particular group, and/or a particular song, and light that candle!

I saw Rent on stage but unfortunately don't remember it!

Do you remember the Hall & Oates Special I was talking about?

Candles, Music......

I just saw a PBS Special on BB King. I love BB King. I have been listening and seeing him live since I was about 15!!

"Rent" is about love in a time of aids. It isn't for everyone, one of the main relationships is homosexual. That's just one of the "seasons of love."

No recollection of Hall & Oates special. Is it online somewhere?

BB King has passed the test of time, been performing, what, over 50 years? His guitar work varies, it seems like too much of the time he just recycles old work. But when he lets it all hang out, whoa!

I confess to being a Bon Jovi fan, old stuff and new. I love that duet with the Sugarland singer, "Who Says You Can't Go Home." Sugarland does a twist on the traditional country song about adultery, told from the "other" woman's point of view, "Stay," that's powerful.

Hi all

I used to love all types of music except, bluegrass and rap! Now, most of the time it has to be slow like Carole King, Righteous Bros., Moody Blues. It seems that anymore, if the music is loud and the words sound garbled....I'm done!

I end up with headaches and nervous. Sometimes, it's just not worth it. Sometimes, anything we used to enjoy is no longer worth trying...just because!

M

Dear Mary,
I disagree. Please, keep trying to do some of those things you loved. Because, when you least expect it, you may be able to really enjoy them again!
That's how it is for me and music! I've always loved music, especially live music. Sometimes, I can enjoy it and sometimes I can't. But I do so treasure those times when I still can!

Hang in there!

Hi to All,

I was sorry to hear about Michael Jackson. He was an extremely talented artist.

I am tired of all the hype, though!

He did make some great music and his moon walk, who can forget that!

Rest in Peace,
Michael Jackson

A longtime fan,
Iris L.

I used to love all types of music then it was just classic country.Now I rarely listen to music,very irritating to my ears......Any loud noise is irritating......

Snowy,

Have you tried "Easy Listening" music?? Or perhaps instrumentals???

Speaking of Michael Jackson, setting aside all the media controversies, in my opinion, was one of the greatest entertainers of all time.

I was looking up some of his music I came across this one that I hadn't remembered he did.

I posted it to Bill "Christopher_Robin" and he said it made his eyes wet, but it also made me smile. Hope it makes you smile.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...POkI&feature=related

Dear BeckyP,

Thanks so much for sharing that song and video. I didn't remember Michael sang that. It was lovely!


Thanks for sharing!

quote:

Now I rarely listen to music,very irritating to my ears......Any loud noise is irritating......

Snowy, I'm like that a lot of the time, too!?! Very inconvenient a lot of the time, like when I'm in a crowd and far from home.

Alan and Snowy,

You might try listening to softer music when you're home alone. No other noise!

Sometimes, if I'm listening to some oldies/ sing-a-longs, it's easier.

You might try it? Again, some days are better than others! Try to pick a good day if you can!

I do still LOVE music!

quote:

Originally posted by Lisa 428:
Hi to all,
My name is Lisa. I'm 54 dx @ 53 with EOAD.
I'd like to find out about what kinds of music do you all like? Songs, Bands, Know any lines?
I'm kind of a Beatles freak! Did any of you attend music concerts? I saw the Beatles (very young), Jimi Hendrix (wow, what a guitar player) Janis Joplin (loved her raspy blues voice), Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, ( loved that harmony) The Allman Bros.,(loved the blues) Jethro Tull, Cat Stevens.... oh, I could go on and on.

What did you all like?


Please, share it with me.

Hi Lisa, why do you have a Alsheimer's Association Peer Volunteer logo by your display name?

Dear Azeemer,

Hello and Welcome to the AD Message Boards. I have a Peer volunteer logo by my name because I am A "Peer Volunteer" on these message boards.

You can read about all of us if you go to the message boards and click on Peer Volunteers.

Thanks you for joining in. Would you tell us a little bit about your situation? Do you have EOAD/AD or are you a caregiver?

How can we help you??

Again, welcome.

Peace and Love to all.

Your question about music is making me think what the music therapist has to say about AD. When I have time I’ll search the internet to see if I can find out something. Thanks for giving me this insight!!

“Where there is light, cannot be darkness!!” (P. Yogananda)