About This Episode

How does music benefit the brain? An opera star & a scientist discuss.

In this special Alzheimer’s Talks we hear from world-renowned soprano Renee Fleming, one of the most acclaimed singers of our time. Joining her to discuss music and the mind was Dr. Marie Bernard, deputy director of the National Institute on Aging (NIA) at the National Institutes of Health and NIA’s top geriatrician.

Our host Meryl Comer spoke with Ms. Fleming about her ongoing advocacy and educational efforts around music and the mind. Inspired by the Kennedy Center’s Sound Health initiative, Ms. Fleming created Music and the Mind, which explores the power of music as it relates to health and the brain, including music therapy and cognitive neuroscience. We will hear from Dr. Bernard on our current understanding of the neurological effects of music on those living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and opportunities to enhance that knowledge.

Press the "Play" button under the image at left to hear the discussion.