UT Southwestern Medical Center and The Dallas Opera (TDO) will present “Melodies of Hope: Music, Dementia, and Brain Science” on Thursday evening, Jan. 23, at the Winspear Opera House in downtown Dallas. During this event, attendees will learn about the phenomenal impact music can have on memory and cognition as well as gain insights to help inspire connections between caregivers and people experiencing dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other types of memory disorders.

UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute physicians and researchers will share medical findings on how music can evoke memories and activate neural networks involving language in people with memory disorders. This includes supporting cognitive function, stimulating verbal and nonverbal communications, and reducing agitation.

The “Melodies of Hope: Music, Dementia, and Brain Science” panel discussion was inspired by The Dallas Opera’s premiere of Gluck’s Orpheus and Eurydice. In this new production, Director Joachim Schamberger reimagines the Greek myth, placing Orpheus as the grieving husband and caretaker who uses music to connect with his beloved Eurydice, who is suffering from dementia. At the beginning of the event, Director Schamberger will share his inspiration for the production.

Also, attendees will be treated to a brief musical performance depicting a scene from the opera at the end of the evening. An understanding of opera is not required to attend and learn from this event.

W. P. Andrew Lee, M.D., Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost, and Dean, UT Southwestern Medical School, will moderate the panel discussion – which will be led by world leaders in research and care involving Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and memory disorders:

• William Dauer, M.D.
  Professor and Director
  UT Southwestern Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute
  Professor, Neuroscience, Neurology

• Marc Diamond, M.D.
  Professor and Director, Center for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases
  UT Southwestern Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute
  Professor, Neurology, Neuroscience

• Brendan Kelley, M.D.
  Professor and Clinical Vice Chair, Department of Neurology
  UT Southwestern Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute

• Sarah Shahmoradian, Ph.D.
  Assistant Professor, Center for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Biophysics
  UT Southwestern Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute

Nearly seven million Americans are living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease today. And according to the National Alzheimer’s Association, there are more than 11 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S. This event is for those affected by this disease, including caregivers and those who love and support them.

UT Southwestern and TDO “Melodies of Hope: Music, Dementia, and Brain Science” is open to the North Texas community. This includes UT Southwestern patients, employees, and family members. It is an event providing information that can help support caregivers and patients experiencing dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and memory disorders, as well as those who love them.

There is no cost to attend. You may request up to four complimentary tickets.

Click link to RSVP: https://secure.dallasopera.org/57651?premove=Y&promo=opera4utsw

The total program length is approximately 90 minutes.