NEWS: ALZHEIMER CARE RECIPIENTS TO BENEFIT FROM OUTREACH BY UTAH SYMPHONY AND UTAH OPERA MUSICIANS

4^th Annual Making Sense of Alzheimer’s Month
Collaboration With The
Utah Alzheimer’s Association Chapter
Also Provides Opportunities For Families and Physicians

Salt Lake City - Utah Symphony | Utah Opera and the Utah Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association today announced the details of the May 2013 Making Sense of Alzheimer’s Month. This collaboration between the two organizations began four years ago with the goal of increasing concern and awareness regarding Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in Utah.

Events are planned to provide opportunities to stimulate the senses of those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. During the month of May, Utah Symphony and Utah Opera musicians will volunteer their time to perform at local assisted living communities. Also, free and discount ticket opportunities for care recipients, their families, and other care givers will be available for Utah Symphony and Utah Opera performances.

As part of the Alzheimer Association’s ongoing physician outreach efforts, a pre-concert reception and lecture will be held prior to the Utah Symphony’s May 4, 2013 performance. Local physicians and researchers will have the opportunity to hear Dr. Dean M. Hartley, Ph.D. speak on the changing face of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias research and diagnosis.

Music holds immense potential to impact the quality of life for individuals with dementia. It is a form of sensory stimulation, which provokes responses due to familiarity, predictability and feelings of security. Seeing and hearing professional musicians perform has a positive impact on functionality with these individuals and often encourages reminiscence, conversations and endearing connections otherwise forfeited.

RELATED EVENTS
May 2013
Various Locations
Utah Symphony and Utah Opera musicians will perform at eight assisted living communities.

May 4, 2013, 7:00 p.m.
Abravanel Hall First Tier Room
Dr. Dean M. Hartley, Ph.D. will speak at a reception of invited physicians and researchers prior to the Utah Symphony’s performance of “The Music of John Williams.”

May 13, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
Capitol Theatre
Utah Opera presents Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville”

May 24, 2013, 10:00 a.m.
Abravanel Hall
Utah Symphony Finishing Touches Dress Rehearsal

May 24 & 25, 2013, 8:00 p.m.
Abravanel Hall
Utah Symphony presents Dvorak & Brahms with conductor Vladimir Kulenovic

GUEST SPEAKER
Dr. Dean M. Hartley, Ph.D. is Director of Science Initiatives in the Medical and Scientific Relations Division of the Alzheimer’s Association. Dr. Hartley completed postdoctoral fellowships in the Departments of Medicine, Genetics and Neurology at Harvard Medical School after completing his Ph.D. in Neuroscience at Stanford University. 

TICKETS & EVENT REGISTRATION
Complimentary tickets for events on May 13, May 24, and May 25 are available to care recipients with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias. Family members and care givers can attend for 20% off standard prices. $10 tickets are available for anyone 30 or younger through USUO’s Upbeat ticket discount program. Ticket prices increase $5 on the day of the performance and are subject to availability. Tickets can be reserved by calling 801-869-9046 or visiting the Abravanel Hall ticket office.

Physicians, Ph.Ds., and researchers can register for the May 4, 2013 lecture by Dr. Hartley and receive complimentary tickets for themselves and their partners by contacting Sylvia Brunisholz at 801-265-1944 or sbrunisholz@alz.org. Subject to availability.