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When Words and Memories are Gone, Music Remains
The amazing power of song triggers memories and brings joy to people with dementia
Tony Bennett was deep into a battle with Alzheimer’s disease when he went on stage in 2021, at age 95, for One Last Time: An Evening With Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga. Leading up to the live performance, he was frequently confused about where he was and what he was doing, and why. His answer to a question was often an unsure nod or a blank stare, and he no longer seemed to recognize Lady Gaga, a friend he’d recorded two albums with.
But whenever the piano player started up in rehearsals, the old songs — and Bennett’s persona as a performer — snapped to life as though nothing had ever changed. In a TV special about the preparation and the performance, it was incredible, bordering on unbelievable, to see the transformative effect music had on the old crooner’s memory, emotions, physical expressions and awareness of the moment.
At Radio City Music Hall, Bennett belted out his old favorites, smiling and animated, reveling in the applause. When his friend came on stage partway through the concert, he whirled around and exclaimed, as though surprised to see her but without any hesitation: “Wow! Lady Gaga!”
