Watch Alive Inside

Alive Inside is a heartwarming documentary that focuses on the use of music as a therapy for patients suffering from dementia and other cognitive disorders. The film showcases the efforts of social worker Dan Cohen, who creates personalized music playlists for patients in nursing homes, with the goal of improving their quality of life and restoring some of their lost memories.

The documentary begins with a startling statistic - over 5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's, a number that is expected to triple by 2050. The film then introduces us to Dan Cohen, who has been working with elderly patients for over a decade. Dan noticed that many of the patients he worked with seemed to be 'lost in their own world' and struggled to interact with others due to their cognitive limitations. He began to wonder if music could be used to help these patients reconnect with their memories and emotions.

Dan's idea was simple - he would interview patients in nursing homes and create a personalized playlist based on their favorite songs and genres. He then distributed these playlists to the nursing home staff, who would play them on iPods during activities and meals. Dan's initial test run was a smashing success - many patients who had been withdrawn and unresponsive suddenly came to life when they heard their favorite songs. One man, Henry, who had been unresponsive for years, suddenly became animated and recalled memories from his past.

The film then shifts its focus to some of the patients and nursing homes that Dan has worked with over the years. We meet Sue, a woman with advanced dementia who has lost the ability to communicate with others. When Dan plays her favorite songs, however, she begins to sing along and dance, much to the delight of the nursing home staff. We also meet Denise, a woman who had been bedridden and unresponsive but becomes active and engaged after hearing her personalized playlist.

Throughout the film, we hear from experts in the field of cognitive health and music therapy, who discuss the science behind Dan's idea. Research has shown that music has a unique ability to stimulate and activate different parts of the brain. Even patients with severe dementia or brain damage may still have intact musical memories, allowing music to serve as a powerful way to reach them.

The documentary also explores the broader societal issues surrounding the care of elderly patients. We learn that many nursing homes are understaffed and underfunded, leading to a lack of personalized care and engagement with patients. Dan's approach to music therapy is shown as a way to provide a source of joy and connection for patients who may otherwise be lonely and isolated.

The film also delves into the ethical considerations around dementia care, particularly the use of antipsychotic medications to control 'difficult' behaviors. Experts argue that many patients are simply acting out due to boredom or a lack of stimulation, and that music therapy can be a more humane approach to behavioral management.

Overall, Alive Inside is a poignant and uplifting film that sheds light on the transformative power of music. The film shows how even small moments of joy can have a significant impact on patients' quality of life and mental health. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in music therapy, cognitive health, or elder care.

Alive Inside is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes.