The 5th Dementia
MMM's Flagship Band
The 5th Dementia
Join Us
5th Dementia Flagship Band Revival Started February 16th, 2023 (Ongoing)
Every Thursday from 2PM - 3PM at the Brentwood Presbyterian Church
12000 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Or join us virtually through our LIVE STREAM
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.
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.
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.
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.
Learn more about "The 5th Dementia" with our documentary that is free on Amazon Prime and available to rent on Apple TV for $0.99.
Interested in our documentary shot by Serene Meshel-Dillman?
"The 5th Dementia" In Action
"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
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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
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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"?
Contact us at info@musicmendsminds or call us at (818) 326-0500 for more information.