Utah Symphony | Utah Opera & Utah Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association announce Making Sense of Alzheimer's Month

Utah Symphony | Utah Opera and the Utah Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association today announced the details of the May 2013 Making Sense of Alzheimer's Month.

This collaboration between the two organizations began four years ago with the goal of increasing concern and awareness regarding Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in Utah.Events are planned to provide opportunities to stimulate the senses of those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Free and discount ticket opportunities will be available for care recipients, their families, and other care givers.

A pre-concert reception and lecture will be held prior to the Utah Symphony's May 4 performance. Local physicians and researchers will have the opportunity to hear Dr. Dean M. Hartley, Ph.D. speak on the changing face of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research and diagnosis.According to the USUO, "Music holds immense potential to impact the quality of life for individuals with dementia. It is a form of sensory stimulation, which provokes responses due to familiarity, predictability and feelings of security. Seeing and hearing professional musicians perform has a positive impact on functionality with these individuals and often encourages reminiscence, conversations and endearing connections otherwise forfeited."

Complimentary tickets for events on May 13, May 24, and May 25 are available to care recipients with Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias. Family members and care givers can attend for 20-percent off standard prices. Tickets can be reserved by calling 801-869-9046 or visiting the Abravanel Hall ticket office.Physicians, Ph.Ds., and researchers can register for the May 4 lecture by Dr. Hartley and receive complimentary tickets for themselves and their partners by contacting Sylvia Brunisholz at 801-265-1944 or sbrunisholz@alz.org.

Dr. Dean M. Hartley, Ph.D., is Director of Science Initiatives in the Medical and Scientific Relations Division of the Alzheimer's Association. Dr. Hartley completed postdoctoral fellowships in the Departments of Medicine, Genetics and Neurology at Harvard Medical School after completing his Ph.D. in Neuroscience at Stanford University.

Here is the schedule:May 4, 2013, 7:00 p.m.Abravanel Hall First Tier RoomDr. Dean M. Hartley, Ph.D. will speak at a reception of invited physicians and researchers prior to the Utah Symphony's performance of "The Music of John Williams."May 13, 2013, 7:30 p.m.Capitol TheatreUtah Opera presents Rossini's "The Barber of Seville"May 24, 2013, 10 a.m.Abravanel HallUtah Symphony Finishing Touches Dress RehearsalMay 24 & 25, 2013, 8 p.m.Abravanel HallUtah Symphony presents Dvorak & Brahms with conductor Vladimir Kulenovic