Katsunori (left), who hails from Kuala Lumpur, was one of two individuals with dementia to perform at the Reach Alzheimer’s With Kindness (RAWK 4.0) charity concert, held in early December.
Eighty-five-year-old Mori Katsunori showed no signs of nervousness as he walked towards two chairs and a stand microphone positioned at the centre of the stage in the packed auditorium of Sunway University in Selangor.
Though his steps were slow and deliberate, Katsunori exuded confidence – head held high, shoulders back, and a warm smile lighting up his face – as he accepted the guitar from the stage manager.
Walking beside him was Ho Weng Kai, a close family friend for the last 20 years whom the emcee introduced as Katsunori’s duet partner. The audience also learned that the duo had performed together on several occasions prior.
Curiously, Ho’s chair lacked a designated microphone. The mystery was soon resolved midway through Katsunori’s first song when Ho was seen quietly reading out the lyrics to him. Unfazed, the Malaysian-born Japanese delivered his performance seamlessly.
Living with dementia, Katsunori, who hails from Kuala Lumpur, was one of two individuals with the condition to perform at the Reach Alzheimer’s With Kindness (RAWK 4.0) charity concert, held in early December.
The event, organised by Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM) in collaboration with Sunway University and ZAG Studios, brought together healthcare professionals, musicians, university faculty, and students in a vibrant celebration of music and community.
According to ADFM resource and training manager Jenny Lim, the charity concert adopted a multi-cultural, intergenerational approach to foster a deeper understanding of dementia and its impact across all ages.
“While the concert demonstrated that music could bring people together regardless of race, age, or background, it also highlighted the power of music in dementia care,” Lim says.
The ADFM team with its patron, Puan Sri Wendy Ong (third from right).
The power of music
RAWK 4.0 began as a series of music therapy sessions at the ADFM care home, led by Sandra Cheah, a board-certified music therapist and licensed counsellor.
“Music has a remarkable ability to evoke memories, helping people with dementia reconnect with their past and improve their well-being. Even when memories fade, the joy in their eyes when they hear their favourite music is unforgettable,” Cheah shares.
However, she acknowledges that music therapy in Malaysia faces challenges, including limited awareness and a shortage of trained therapists.
“Many view it as just a tool for relaxation, rather than recognising it as an evidence-based clinical method for rehabilitation,” Cheah explains, noting how countries like the United States, Britain, Australia, and Singapore regard music therapy as an allied health profession integrated into healthcare systems.
Cheah highlights how music engages multiple areas of the brain, from the auditory system for hearing the notes to the motor cortex for coordinating movements.
“This holistic engagement helps maintain cognitive functions and supports the creation of new neural pathways, improving the quality of life for individuals with dementia,” she says.
Through familiar songs, patients can reconnect with lost memories and emotions, significantly improving their mood and interactions with others.
“Research has consistently shown that music therapy is an effective non-pharmacological treatment for various types of dementia,” Lim affirms, adding that it can be tailored for different stages of the condition – from cognitive stimulation in early stages to calming therapies later on.
Rawk Team: The team behind the success of the RAWK 4.0 which was recently staged at Sunway University. — Photos: ZAG Studios
Happy tunes
Sixty-nine-year-old Fatimah Begum, who is living with Alzheimer’s, lights up whenever she hears old Tamil or Hindi songs, particularly her favourite, Dingiri Dinggale.
Her husband, Anwar Malik, 72, says that when these songs play, Fatimah becomes calm and often sings along.
“It’s as if the songs bring back memories of her childhood and give her a sense of belonging,” he said.
ADFM nurse manager Cheng says that many patients at the centre naturally sing along or tap to the rhythm of familiar songs, even if they can’t recall the lyrics.ADFM nurse manager Cheng Siew Teng observes that many patients at the centre naturally sing along or tap to the rhythm of familiar songs, even if they can’t recall the lyrics.
“This demonstrates their connection to the music, which is deeply ingrained,” she adds.
Cheah explains that music therapy is much more than casual singalongs.
Designing a session involves understanding a person’s musical preferences, cognitive abilities, and emotional needs, she says.
“Sessions may include familiar songs to evoke memories, rhythmic activities to engage motor skills, and improvisation to encourage self-expression,” Cheah says.
In addition to cognitive and memory goals, music therapy also addresses physical skills such as fine and gross motor abilities, sensory perception, visual coordination, and auditory processing.
Cheah herself composed three original songs inspired by her clients’ dementia journeys, including Fatimah’s, for RAWK 4.0.
The songs were performed by students from Sunway University’s Department of Film and Performing Arts.
“Seeing the music and lyrics resonate with the performers and audience highlighted the profound emotional and therapeutic impact music can have - not just for individuals with dementia, but also for their families,” she adds.
Caring carers
Cheah advises carers to integrate music into daily routines by playing familiar songs their loved ones enjoy, using music to uplift moods, and engaging in simple activities like singing or tapping to rhythms.
“Music can soothe agitation, stimulate memory, and provide comfort. It’s important to observe their reactions and adjust accordingly,” she says.
She also encourages carers to explore music-based activities and seek professional music therapy to support rehabilitation efforts.
