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A song can do what arguments, reminders, and “just try” sometimes can’t: reach your loved one when dementia has made everything else feel impossible. We sit down with Kelly Willenborg, a brain health gerontologist and the founder of My Memory Works, to talk about why personalized music can spark connection, ease agitation, and bring back flashes of identity even in moderate to advanced stages.

Kelly explains her drug-free Healing Headsets program, including what makes these devices senior-friendly (simple oversized buttons, built-in player, micro SD playlists) and why access matters when music therapy isn’t available to everyone. We also get practical about caregiving: how to build a meaningful playlist, how many songs families can expect, and when to turn music on so it actually helps rather than becoming background noise.

We dig into real-world challenges like sundowning and bathing resistance, with a clear strategy many care partners can try immediately: start the right music about 15 minutes before the tough moment. Along the way, we talk memory cafes, peer support, Music Bingo, and how these tools can support people living with dementia or Parkinson’s while also giving caregivers a bit of much-needed respite and hope.

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