The 5th Dementia

MMM's Flagship Band

Join Us

5th Dementia Flagship Band Revival Starting February 16th, 2023 (Ongoing)

Every Thursday from 2PM - 3PM at the Brentwood Presbyterian Church

12000 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049

5th Dementia Revival Drum Circle - Sing Along Picture.jpg

Our History

Carol and Irwin Rosenstein, co-founders of Music Mends Minds, stumbled onto the effects of music therapy as a treatment option for ongoing symptoms of Parkinson's

After Irwin began playing piano for participating students and adults, he became increasingly energetic, talkative, and hopeful.

His dramatic transformation and through music and social support inspired Carol to share the rhythmic remedy with others who are suffering. Thus, the 5th Dementia intergenerational therapeutic music band was launched.

Sam Mayo

During his last years, music was everything to Sam. He never went anywhere without his harmonica and serenaded people as they went through their day…while waiting in the doctor’s office or in line at Trader Joe’s. This made people happy and, in turn, music gave Sam purpose to his life.

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The

Core

Four

These were the original members of "The 5th Dementia" and the inception of Music Mends Minds. All four members found a place for them to reconnect with themselves and their loved ones. Carol and Irwin wanted to share this magic with families suffering with similar fates.

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Irwin Rosenstein

Carol realized early on in Irwin's Alzheimer's diagnosis that his musical ability was not affected by his disease. She and Irwin founded Music Mends Minds with their flagship band, The 5th Dementia, to keep the healing, joyful effect of music in their lives.

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Paul Livadary

Paul can play anything by ear on the piano. Alzheimer's has taken no part of his musical life. Paul is the heart and soul of The 5th Dementia band. They call him their "music box". Paul is known for his one-liners and quick smile. He is a warm and kind gentleman who never misses a rehearsal and plays piano perfectly without any sheet music.

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Gene Sterling

Parkinson's disease has not limited his collaboration with The 5th Dementia band. He chooses the song lists with Paul Livadary (piano) each week and leads the band with dedication and assurance.

Since its inception in 2014, "The 5th Dementia" has grown to include more than 30 members and their loved ones that have sung and played music together for over 700 hours. "The 5th Dementia" is a family that is always growing.

Learn more about "The 5th Dementia" with our documentary that is free on Amazon Prime and available to rent on iTunes for $0.99.

Interested in our documentary shot by Serene Meshel-Dillman?

"The 5th Dementia" In Action

5th Dementia Revival 2022:
Drum Circle and Singalong

2019 Holiday Concert

"The 5th Dementia" is spreading its annual holiday cheer with classics at the Brentwood Presbyterian Church

"The 5th Dementia" In the News

February 13, 2019

MMM Battles Dementia With Melody

"It's often said that music is the universal language. MMM believes it's great medicine for those struggling with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer’s and dementia."

Spectrum News 1

April 10, 2018

The Healing Power of Music

Michael J. Fox Foundation interviews Diana Davidow and her experience as a member in Music Mends Minds's flagship band "The 5th Dementia" band. Photo credits: Serene Meshel-Dillman

Michael J. Fox Foundation

August 22, 2017

MMM Helps People With Dementia & Parkinson's

A nationwide program is helping dementia and Parkinson's patients cope with illnesses through music.

CBS

August 14, 2017

Can Joining a Band Fight Cognitive Decline?

The 5th Dementia keeps folks with neurodegenerative disease in the moment by playing music of the past with help from a few teenage musicians.

KQED: The California Report

May 10, 2017

The Quad: Students learn from older adults through volunteer programs

Daily Bruin discusses how MMM utilizes an intergenerational approach to accomplish their goal to use music as a way of healing the mind.

Daily Bruin

December 17, 2016

Music as Medicine for the Mind

Claire Fogarty discusses how MMM has brought their talents to the Brentwood Presbyterian Church on Friday, serenading their audience with smooth jazz while surrounded by a Christmas Tree and Poinsettias.

Cure PSP

September 15, 2015

The More We Play, More Their Old Selves Return

Like a wilting flower that has just been watered, Irwin Rosenstein sits at the piano and comes to life.

People Magazine

February 23, 2015

Music Offers Dementia Patients New Meaning

PBS interviews 5th Dementia members ,Marina Day & Paul Livadary, on the power of music. Photo credits: Serene Meshel-Dillman

PBS News Hour

December 12, 2015

Exclusive: ‘The Fifth Dementia’ Band Pairs Teen Musicians With Alzheimer’s Patients

Windward High School students are building bonds and making music with elderly Alzheimer’s patients with “The Fifth Dementia.”

CBS Los Angeles

November 03, 2015

Swinging with The 5th Dementia

Swinging with the 5th Dementia: Twice a week, four older men get together to make music. There may be nothing unusual about that, but aging has not been kind to them: To varying degrees, they’ve been affected by dementia or Parkinson’s disease.

Jewish Journal

November 04, 2015

Healing Through Music

Proving that music truly can be one of life’s greatest gifts, the new intergenerational music therapy project MMM is dedicated to “restoring the rhythm of life” for individuals in West Los Angeles who are affected by neurodegenerative diseases

Jewish Journal

Interested in joining "The 5th Dementia"?

The 5th Dementia

MMM's Flagship Band

Join Us

5th Dementia Flagship Band Revival Starting February 16th, 2023 (Ongoing)