Different kinds of memory loss are a common diagnosis amongst the elderly, but one particular kind of therapy has been proven to help.

Music can be a powerful thing. For Ross Ritchie, it’s a connection to the past.

“It's an expression of your life, in a way," Ritchie said. “[It] brings back memories about every period of your life, from early childhood all the way to something very recent."

The 93-year-old is a former radio DJ and recording services director at the Eastman School of Music.

“There was never a dull moment," Ritchie said. "There was always good music, something new coming up." 

Kim Best is his music therapist, who visits him at Episcopal Senior Life where he receives care.

“When I play my flute, he remembers this professor he used to work with and record, and that professor is who taught my professor," Best said. "So it's even through the musicians we're connected."

She says for those experiencing memory loss or other problems related to advanced age, music therapy may seem like magic.

“Now they're smiling and laughing and interacting, and conversing," Best said. "It's like the best drug there could be."

But really, it’s science.

"So, unlike speech, which is in the one center, music will light up in the motor cortex, and the memory center and the feelings center," Best said.

Ross’ son Andrew says it's only been a couple of months, but he's already seeing a big change.

“I kind of feel like he's more enthusiastic about being with other residents, being with other people," Andrew Ritchie said. "He's more enthusiastic about getting down to the dining hall every day."

Which is why Kim loves what she does.

“What I see is just so beautiful, on a daily basis," Best said. "This great connection with music and people, that's what makes it therapy. It's this relationship."