Alzheimers and the Power of Music - All About Seniors

All About Seniors was fortunate enough to meet and talk with nationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Jay Allen while he was on his Living Gracefully Tour at The Willows of Easley.Jay is known for his country-rock music and impactful philanthropy efforts.It was an unforgettable evening with Jay whose heartfelt performances inspire hope, healing, and connection.The Living Gracefully Tour is Jay Allens way of taking his message directly to the people who inspire itseniors, families, and caregivers in communities across the U.S.

Jay visits Grace Management, Inc.communities, performing intimate concerts that blend music, storytelling, and moments of connection.Each stop is a celebration of resilience, love, and the power of song.Jays mother, Sherry Rich, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers at the vibrant age of 51; she passed away at age 54.

When youre a child, theres a look in your moms eyes you just cant replicate, says Jay.But when my mom looked at me for the first time with her sick eyes, she saw a stranger.Many times, though, the power of music brought her back to life, at least for a while.Before Jays father, Joe, drove Sherry from their home in Iowa to Nashville, Tennessee, to visit Jay in 2016 for the first time since her diagnosis, he warned his son to be prepared.

Jay was nevertheless shocked when he opened the door to a woman, with a blank look on her face, who clearly didnt recognize him.Brokenhearted, Jay turned to his love for music, which Sherry had helped instill in him years before as an ardent fan of country and Christian music.That night, he took his parents to a Nashville nightclub.A band was playing, and Jay coaxed his mother onto the dance floor, the pair swaying slowly despite the fast-paced song.Sherry suddenly brightened and called her son by his name.

She whispered in my ear, Jay, I missed you.I love you so much.She woke from her sickness.

Years before, I had been a Christian music director and thought Id experienced the power of music.But nothing was as powerful as connecting, through music, when my mom was sick, states Jay.Before his mother passed away, Jay was able to experience more of those powerful interventions with her.On several occasions, especially when performing in the Midwest near his parents home, Jay brought his mother onto the stage with him.

The first time was a concert in August 2018.During his performance, Jay grabbed his mothers hand, brought her to the microphone and sang Blank Stares, the song he wrote about Sherry and the devastating effects of Alzheimers.From Blank Stares:Oh how do I get you back; If I could only seal the cracks youre slipping through; Wish I didnt feel so helpless when it comes to helping you; Hold on; So I keep holding on; To every little memory made of you and me; Every little glimpse of who you used to be; I know youre still in there; Deep down somewhere I swear I still see you; Between the blank stares.To see a crowd that came to party suddenly experience such a beautiful and impactful moment, it was special, says Jay.I want people to know theyre being heard, and theyre not alone, says Jay.He notes the biggest struggle he faced related to a loved one being diagnosed with Alzheimers is the role reversal as a caregiverfighting for the person who nurtured and fought for you.After Sherry passed away, Jay wrote a song called No Present Like the Time (featured on Country Radio).

The lyrics reflect the life lessons his mom taught him.The song remains a staple of Jays shows throughout a career that continues to grow.Wherever my career takes me, we will always stand for this cause.Jay has passionately dedicated his career to raising awareness and funding for Alzheimers and dementia-related causes.

To date, he has helped raise over $160 million to combat these diseases.In 2023, Jay was honored to receive The Caregiver Award from the National Alzheimers Association.