Music for dementia sufferers in Devizes (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Music for dementia sufferers in Devizes

9:30am Thursday 15th October 2009

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People with dementia were treated to top musical entertainment with Sting’s keyboard player.

Jazz pianist Jason Rebello, who is accustomed to performing on the world’s largest stages, delighted members of Alzheimer’s Support day club in Sidmouth Street in Devizes.

Mr Rebello, who lives in Bradford on Avon, played songs including Fly Me To The Moon and Rock Around The Clock.

Particularly moved was member Arnold Prager, 86, a former professional jazz trumpeter.

His wife Margy Prager said: “He cannot play any more but he still loves music.

“It is the first time in many years we have heard live music.

“It has been marvellous.”

The event was organised by club manager Grant Newton, whose son, Adam Newton of the band Blackbud accompanied Mr Rebello on double bass.

Mr Rebello said: “You can say some things in words but music says so much more.

“I really enjoyed, it was a great audience, they even got up and danced. I hope the music can be therapeutic . Hearing music sometimes captures the whole mood.”

Alzheimer’s Support’s Stephany Bardzil said: “People with memory loss often remember melodies and words of songs and it was wonderful to see everyone enjoying the music so much.

“One woman arrived in a wheelchair and was up on her feet dancing by the end.”

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