Oct 11, 2023
Have you ever felt the transformative power of a familiar melody transporting you back to a cherished memory? My guest today is Stephen Hunt, he is the CEO and co-founder of Music Health, a company that brilliantly interweaves technology with music. Stephen shares how music can be a beacon of hope and connection, especially for those living with dementia. Stephen's journey into this mission began with a personal passion for music. From childhood aspirations of becoming a musician to the altruistic goal of pursuing music as a therapeutic tool.
Music Health's trailblazing product, Vera, is making waves internationally. The foundation of the Vera music app is deeply rooted in a personal story as Stephen's grandfather had Alzheimers. The lived experience and the observed challenges fueled the desire to create a solution that could make a difference in the lives of those living with dementia and their caregivers. This app employs AI technologies to delve deep into the tapestry of memory, retrieving invaluable moments from the past encoded in the songs that once stirred our emotions. With its recent launch in several nations, including Australia, Canada, and the US, Vera is on a mission not just to play songs, but to rejuvenate forgotten memories and touch the core of the human spirit, especially for those navigating the challenges of dementia.
Stephen shares the vision of 'tech with purpose', which is redefining the paradigm of music therapy. Today, we talk about the science behind this innovation, the anthropological history of music as a healing agent, and the app's tangible impact on its users as it's incorporated into daily life and can elevate the care experience. This provides meaningful benefits for both the recipient and the caregivers. Stephen shares how there has been great success working with professional caregivers in assisted living and aged care homes along with at-home caregivers. Music is powerful, it is meaningful, it offers moments of joy, memory and connection. Thank you, Stephen, for sharing the transformative power of music with us all.
Learn more at https://www.musichealth.ai/ &
https://www.veramusic.com/
Don't miss Stephen's recent TedxSydney talk:
The magic of 'Precision Music' for people living with dementia HERE!
*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!
We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.
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