MMM and ADRAG Launch Global Effort to Help Support Alzheimer's/Dementia Communities | |
A powerful new partnership between Music Mends Minds and the Alzheimer’s/Dementia Rotary Action Group (ADRAG) is expanding the global response to the Alzheimer’s and dementia pandemic. By combining Rotary’s vast international network with MMM’s music-based approach to cognitive wellness, this collaboration has the potential to reach communities in more than 200 countries.
At its core is a shared mission of improving the quality of life for people living with dementia while strengthening the families and communities around them. ADRAG brings global leadership and expertise in Alzheimer's/dementia research while MMM brings a deep knowledge of creating and sustaining music groups that spark connection, engagement, and joy and a human-centered educational model for families and caregivers.
Through this strengthened alliance, ADRAG will actively introduce MMM to Rotary Clubs worldwide, including college and high school Rotaract/Interact clubs. Each club under ADRAG’s umbrella is encouraged to consider launching intergenerational music groups focused on seniors and their families. With Rotary’s presence in over 200 countries and a membership exceeding 1.2 million, the potential scale is significant.
“ADRAG and its cause have gained support among Rotarians worldwide. And we’re strong believers in MMM and the impact it has on people who suffer from dementia. We’re ready to get behind MMM, their mission, and heavily promote their methods to Rotarians around the world,” said Chris Nakea, ADRAG’s Vice Chair & Public Image Officer.
Together, MMM and ADRAG hope to inspire the creation of thousands of new music groups offering not just therapeutic benefits, but a renewed sense of belonging and purpose for seniors, caregivers, and their families and communities at large.
| Gettin' The Holidays Rockin' & Rollin' | |
Our 5th Dementia Band brought our annual holiday concert to life on December 6th at the Brentwood Presbyterian Church, with the room truly Rockin’ & Rollin’ for the holidays. The celebration also included a special moment of recognition when Councilwoman Traci Park presented Music Mends Minds with a "Certificate of Congratulations," honoring our partnership and program expansion to the Felicia Mahood Senior Center. “Music Mends Minds is setting an example of building stronger, healthier communities,” she said.
The concert kicked off with a drum circle facilitated by Alan Bruni and holiday songs such as “Winter Wonderland,” "Sweet Caroline," and “Stand by Me,” which filled the room with connection, hope, and holiday cheer. As the music played, our seniors and their loved ones sang along, danced in the aisles, and lit up the space with pure joy made even more unforgettable with legendary songwriter Mike Stoller, who co-wrote "Stand by Me," in attendance.
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In October, the Rotary Club of Tokyo Hiroo, led by Stephen Berkov, launched a cross-continental music program with the Rotary Club of Beverly Hills for Alzheimer’s patients. During a series of visits to care facilities by the Rotary Club of Tokyo Hiroo, members brought drums, cowbells, and other percussion instruments, inviting residents to clap and play along as a veteran musician led the sessions.
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Dr. Susan DuPree’s Joyful Noise Drum Circle, Song Circle, and Coyote Moon bands gather every other Tuesday in Felida, Washington at Family of Christ Lutheran Church. The groups are led by seasoned facilitator Andrew Hill, who brings over 30 years of experience. Each session draws a crowd, exploring a wide range of instruments from Andrew’s personal collection. The program is generously supported by grants from the Rotary Club of Tri-Valley, Pleasanton, CA. In December, The Columbia Newspaper published an article on about the Joyful Noise Drum Circle.
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The Beverly Hills Treble Makers recently celebrated its 8-year anniversary with a special honor from the City of Beverly Hills. The group was recognized by the Beverly Hills City Council with a “Moment of Unity” certificate, celebrating its meaningful contributions to the community.
Dr. Sharona Nazarian, Mayor of Beverly Hill said, “The band’s impact on people facing neurological challenges and on the broader community has been nothing short of phenomenal. Since 2018, Myra Lurie and Steve Weinglass have been a driving force behind the Music Mends Minds Beverly Hills Treble Makers Tuesday band at Roxbury Community Park Center that welcomes all participants. No auditions, no barriers—just participation and pure joy. It’s an extraordinary group of people."
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We’re excited to welcome new drum circles to the MMM family!
Westchester Family YMCA , 8015 S Sepulveda Blvd, Westchester, CA 90045 (310) 670-4316, 2nd Fridays at 11:00am (starting April 10), lead by Alan Bruni.
ARC - Activities Recreation and Care, a residence and day center for intellectually/developmentally challenged adults. For residents and members only. 6456 Whitsett Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91606, (818) 762-4365
2nd and 4th Thursdays at 11:00am, lead by Heathor Kulber.
Lincoln Heights Senior Citizen Center, 2323 Workman St, Los Angeles, CA 90031, (323) 225-9339 led by Luis Tentindo and sponsored by Humana Insurance. Dates and times to be announced!
| UCLA Music Mends Minds Student Club | |
Weemes Elementary School is once again partnering with the UCLA Music Mends Minds Student Club to bring the science of sound to life for students. Designed for children ages 7–10, the weekly after-school program blends music, math, and science through hands-on exploration and play.
Each week, UCLA volunteers lead interactive lessons that uncover how music works from vibration and pitch to rhythm and pattern. Students experiment with DIY shakers, stretch rubber bands to explore sound waves, and use body percussion to experience rhythm firsthand.
The result is a lively learning environment where curiosity, creativity, and discovery take center stage. We are grateful to Weemes Elementary for continuing to support this initiative. Research shows that learning music in childhood is linked to lasting cognitive benefits, including improvements in memory, attention, and problem-solving skills that can extend into adulthood.
| 5th Dementia Band member Craig Dyer Receives Mike Hassett's Trumpet, Honors His Legacy Through Music | |
During a recent 5th Dementia rehearsal, Craig Dyer was gifted with Mike Hassett’s trumpet by Hassett’s family as a token of gratitude and friendship to Music Mends Minds. Hassett, a member of both the 5th Dementia and Jazzanova bands, passed away last September. His trumpet playing, especially his powerful solos, was a defining part of weekly rehearsals and performances.
Moments after receiving the instrument, Craig chose to play it, offering a spontaneous tribute during the rehearsal.
“I am honored and excited to play Mike’s trumpet,” Craig said. “He was a great inspiration to me, the bands, and our community. I’ll continue to honor him for his friendship, artistry, and soulfulness. I appreciate the opportunity to follow in his footsteps and revive the tonal depth and exciting range that the King Super 20 Silversonic Symphony trumpet is recognized to deliver.”
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In December, MMM received an Innovations in Alzheimer's Caregiving Award from the Family Caregiver Alliance, the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, and the RRF Foundation for Aging. MMM Executive Director John Kander has been invited to accept the award in Atlanta and speak about MMM to a conference of foundations and professionals.
In February, MMM Founder & President Carol Rosenstein appeared on “The Transitions Network,” a podcast that empowers individuals to navigate the shift from career to retirement with purpose and connection.
Carol also hosted a luncheon that brought together: John Kander and representatives from the Westwood Village Rotary Club: President Mark Rogo, incoming President Dr. Bob Simon, and past President Diane Good, who also serves as a longtime secretary and a dedicated member of the Music Mends Minds Board. Each guest received a press kit highlighting recent milestones, including Music Mends Minds’ expanding international reach through Rotary International and its Alzheimer's Dementia Rotary Action Group (ADRAG).
Music Mends Minds expresses its deep gratitude to the Westwood Village Rotary Club for its ongoing generous support of the 5th Dementia Band, the Band of Heroes.
MMM Admin Assistant Aisha Randhawa has created an infographic on the Heart-Brain Axis and the importance of music-making, to include its role in conflict resolution.
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