A senior living and memory-care community in Kalispell was recognized by the Montana Health Care Association for its effort to use music to create a fulfilling environment for its residents.

Prestige Assisted Living was given an honorable mention for the Enrichment of Life Award from the association for its innovative Expressions memory care music program.

The Expressions program was recognized for using the power of music to calm agitation, uplift spirits and ease communication barriers for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to treat mental and physical health concerns, according to the American Music Therapy Association.

The part of a human brain that captures music, the medial pre-frontal cortex, shares storage space with emotions. Music releases a chemical called dopamine that is associated with pleasure. It’s also the last part of the brain affected by dementia.

Prestige’s Expressions memory care program implemented personalized music devices more than a year ago as an additional resource to enhance the quality of life for people living with dementia.

Patty Cordell, the executive director for Kalispell Prestige Assisted Living, said staffers work with residents and their families to create a tailored playlist for each resident. The playlist taps into some of the residents’ strongest memories, which include favorite songs, artists, composers and music genres from across different eras of a person’s life.

“The use of personalized music devices plays a very important role when it comes to seniors’ well-being, especially for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia,” Cordell said. “In addition to the joy on their face when they sing to their favorite song, we have seen the music reduce anxiety, improve communication and eating habits, and contribute to better overall alertness for many within the Expressions program.”

For more information on Expressions, visit www.prestigecare.com/expressions.

To learn more about Prestige Care Assisted Living at Kalispell located at 125 Glenwood Drive, visit us online or call (406) 756-1818.