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Nile Rodgers is committed to helping bring music to people with dementia after witnessing her mother's "transformation."
The man at the helm of some of the biggest dance hits of the last decades has said that Alzheimer's disease has affected many of his family members.
The Chic star told PA that her mother, Beverly Goodman, now 81, had been diagnosed 13 years ago, but that she had not been aware for many years.
"She was diagnosed 13 years ago without my knowledge, because we live in different cities and my mother, when she hears my voice, becomes so intellectually clear that it is bewildering.
Thank you @ oldofficialcharts. It was our first time in this part of #La France # upside down @dianaross #gettingjiggywithit @willsmith #hesthegreatestdancer #sistersledge @thechicorganization pic.twitter.com/N3YiXt8WbE
– Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) July 20, 2019
"She did not tell me and she also suffered from one of the common symptoms, the denial, she would not believe it," he said.
"Even now, we have conversations and she says," At least I do not have Alzheimer's disease. "
The 66-year-old American producer, whose successes range from David Bowie's Lethe Dance to Daft Punk's Get Lucky, will be part of a BBC Music Day initiative to provide music to all people with dementia by 2020 .
He said he witnessed "how much music can be transformative for people with this disease."
"One day, I took my mother shopping in a mall. Pbading all the music stores, she sang the songs with a perfect tone.
"I thought that the woman I knew all my life suddenly became a great singer. How did it happen?
"I realized that his memory is precisely dedicated to these memories. It was incredible.
"At the school where she lives, she runs all the singing lessons. She is like a star, music has transformed her life.
"She's a woman who, all my life, has worked with incredible musicians and would never think of opening her mouth to sing and now she is the star of the show."
The Grammy star said, "My aunt was in a coma for five years with Alzheimer's and we were singing the Beatles song Hey Jude in her ear and every time we did, she stood up and sang with us …
"It rebadured us to communicate with her. But as soon as we stopped singing, she returned to this type of very vegetative state.
"But while the song was going on. She was there with us and it was every time, without fail, for about five years. "
While some experiences had been a challenge, "you can also see things in another way" and the two now have a "wonderful relationship," he said.
"Maybe because the sound of my voice and the fact that we always sing together make her so happy, my experience with her now feels happy all the time …
"When I walk in the door, my mother lights up like a Christmas tree and we have the best time of our lives."
More than 50 British organizations involved in the treatment of dementia collaborate with BBC Music Day, while Radio 3 will broadcast live music on dementia and that Woman's Hour of Radio 4 will explore with listeners how music Helps them care for and connect family members with dementia.
Other projects announced include the launch of a Blue Peter Music badge for children.
Sir Paul McCartney will speak about his own "musical journey" and offer advice to aspiring musicians on a CBBC live music special.
Finally, on television, Bargain Hunt's music festival specializes in a group battle with The Darkness lead singer Justin Hawkins, alongside Feeder singer Grant Nicholas.
BBC national radio shows will examine why music makes people happy to feel good with special guests, inspiring live sessions and playlists for well-being.
James Stirling, Head of BBC Music & BBC Music Introducing, said, "In an ambitious goal of helping people with dementia through music, BBC Music Day is thrilled to collaborate with Nile Rodgers and many organizations to help people with dementia to reconnect with memories. "
The fifth edition of the BBC Music Day will take place on Thursday, September 26th.
PA Media
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