The documentary “Alive Inside” explores the power of music and its ability to reawaken our humanity and restore a sense of self to those with dementia. Filmmaker Michael Rossato-Bennett follows social worker Dan Cohen as he fights against a broken healthcare system to demonstrate the healing power of music, showing how it can triumph where prescription medication fails. The film features interviews with experts including renowned neurologist and author Oliver Sacks and musician Bobby McFerrin, as well as family members who have witnessed the miraculous effects of personalized music on their loved ones.

The journey of “Alive Inside” to the screen began when Rossato-Bennett was hired to make a website for Dan Cohen, the founder of Music & Memory, a non-profit organization that brings personalized music to the elderly and infirm. During the process, Rossato-Bennett met Henry, a 94-year-old dementia patient who had been given an iPod loaded with music tailored just for him. In a scene documented in the film, Henry transforms from a listless and disconnected individual to a lively, engaged person, singing along with his favorite music.

Research has shown that music engages the brain more fully than any other type of stimulus, and scientists have found that the entire brain lights up when exposed to music, especially the areas that correspond to pleasure, movement, and memory. In response to the over-reliance on antipsychotic drugs in elder care, Rossato-Bennett set out to spread the message of the healing power of music and human connection.

The film received widespread recognition and praise after winning the Audience Award at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. The Alive Inside Foundation, founded by Rossato-Bennett, has since grown out of the film and is dedicated to spreading its message of empathy and human connection. The foundation has inspired schools, churches, and private citizens to join the effort and change the way we see aging in America. The state of Utah has plans to provide all elders in nursing homes with personalized music, and Wisconsin is launching the first federally funded program to reduce the use of psychotropic drugs by introducing patients to personalized music.

Rossato-Bennett used private donations, funding from various foundations, and a Kickstarter campaign to fund the production and distribution of “Alive Inside.” The film has continued to earn accolades and recognition around the world, taking home the prize for Best Documentary at the Milan International Film Festival and many more.

Rossato-Bennett’s ultimate goal goes beyond supplying every nursing-home resident with an MP3 player. He wants to inspire others to start an empathy revolution and has created the Alive Inside App, a free tool designed to help anyone find music for their elder. Through music, Rossato-Bennett believes we have the power to help millions of people awaken to who they are and what they can be. He hopes that his film will awaken hearts and minds to the healing power of music and human connection and inspire others to go on this journey.

Source: http://www.aliveinside.us/