Music, Safety, and Meaning: Live Music Therapy

Doug Downs – Stories and Strategies

Live music unlocks joy in the hearts of those living with early-onset dementia. In Episode 54 of the Safety Moment Podcast, host Mike Sullivan speaks with Kelly Morstad, founder of YouQuest, an organization that leverages live music to enhance the lives of people dealing with early-onset dementia in Calgary. The conversation dives deep into the transformative power of music, the journey of building YouQuest, and how music continues to uplift and rekindle hope for those affected.

Kelly shares his background as a tech startup enthusiast before transitioning to focus on meaningful work in the non-profit world. He reflects on his early involvement in disc golf, where he met a friend diagnosed with early-onset dementia. This experience, and a chance encounter with his friend's wife, sparked the idea that would later become YouQuest. The organization was founded to provide people with early-onset dementia, specifically those under 65, a space to rediscover quality days through community, activity, and, above all, live music.

The role of music in the YouQuest experience is profound. Kelly explains how participants, often reluctant or withdrawn initially, light up as they engage with live music performances that stir long-forgotten memories and bring joy to their day. Kelly recounts how he brought his guitar to the program's second day, leading to a collective decision to create a band where participants could also join in making music. From that moment, YouQuest grew to include over 50 musicians performing several times a week, each session tailored to probe the memories and bring smiles to the faces of participants.

Mike shares his own experiences volunteering as a musician for YouQuest, describing how rewarding it is to see participants come alive as they recognize and connect with familiar songs. He recalls a particularly moving moment when a woman who hadn't smiled in months began to shuffle dance to the rhythm of a Traveling Wilburys cover. The power of that smile rippled through the room, deeply affecting everyone present.

They also discuss the importance of caregiver involvement. Originally, YouQuest was designed to offer caregivers some respite while their loved ones attended activities. However, it became apparent that caregivers found joy in watching their partners respond positively to music and often wanted to share in the uplifting moments together. This shared experience strengthens the bonds between caregivers and participants and helps them cope with the daily challenges of dementia care.

The conversation touches on the symptoms of early-onset dementia, which can vary widely. Kelly advises listeners to consult a doctor if they are concerned, distinguishing between normal forgetfulness and early symptoms that may warrant a baseline assessment. He acknowledges that early diagnosis can be terrifying but emphasizes the importance of finding supportive communities like YouQuest.

YouQuest remains focused on its mission to make every day a good day for participants. Despite being a small organization in Calgary, they continue to inspire with their creative and compassionate approach. Live music creates a ripple effect, positively impacting not just the participants but also volunteers and caregivers. They encourage anyone affected by early-onset dementia or interested in volunteering to visit their website at YouQuest.ca for more information on how to join this vibrant, supportive community.