Dementia Stole His Mother’s Memories. Can Sound Help?

Filmmakers Taliesin Black-Brown and Hank Lentfer argue that natural sounds can evoke memories and emotions, including for people whose memories have been affected by dementia. Their short documentary, “Listen”, invites audiences to slow down and hear the wildlife chorus as a way of reconnecting with the past and with the natural world.

The article describes birds, rain, surf, mammals and other sounds as part of an ancient chorus that predates humans and will outlast us. It suggests that attentive listening may unlock memories people did not realise they had, and recommends listening with headphones or good speakers, ideally with a friend.