Playing for time: Can music stave off dementia?
By Elizabeth Landau, CNN
updated 7:21 AM EDT, Sat August 31, 2013
(CNN) — At 101, Frank Iacono still plays the violin. The concertmaster for the Providence Civic Orchestra of Senior Citizens in Rhode Island, he particularly enjoys playing polkas and jigs.
“It keeps my mind active, and it gives me a lot of pleasure,” Iacono said.
The orchestra’s executive director and co-founder, Vito Saritelli, said Iacono is extremely sharp for his age.
“Music has played a good part of his longevity,” said his wife, Mary Iacono, 94. “We’re blessed that we’re both in good health.”
Music meets medicine
As scientists race to figure out how to promote healthy aging of the brain, and prevent dementia, their preliminary advice for senior citizens has become a chorus of voices: “Stay active! Have hobbies! Be socially engaged!”
https://www.cnn.com/2013/08/31/health/music-dementia-link/index.html?hpt=hp_bn1
Article submitted by the Ridgewood Concert Band