Autumn Leaves™ Kicks Off 'So Much More™ To Experience' Playlists

DALLAS, March 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Autumn Leaves, a leading residential memory care provider, launches a multi-faceted, research-driven musical program, "So Much More To Experience," designed to improve residents' cognitive function, at its 40 communities nationwide beginning this month.

The new program was created in conjunction with Dallas-based Music is Our Weapon, a nonprofit that uses the power of music, technology and service to assist people with cognitive disabilities. The organization has worked with Autumn Leaves to create "The Autumn Leaves Project," a personalized and generation-specific playlist program paired with volunteerdriven Music Discovery outings to deliver relevant music to residents. Early pilots of the program show personalized playlists can spark memories and promote cognition and engagement, with residents often smiling, clapping their hands, tapping their toes, singing along or dancing.

"The connection between music and memory is a strong one. Hearing a song can transport a person back decades in a single instant," said Autumn Leaves Life Engagement Director Clair Jameson. "Music is associated with real feelings and milestones in life, and for a person with dementia, music can trigger memory as well as help them reconnect and engage with the world again."

The partnership between Autumn Leaves and Music is Our Weapon kicks off at South By Southwest (SXSW), where Autumn Leaves will sponsor Music is Our Weapon's showcase at Scratch House Austin from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday, March 19. The event will feature performances by 12 acclaimed international music acts to help raise awareness of the organization's initiative to integrate music-based care across all Autumn Leaves communities. Additionally, several musicians will visit Autumn Leaves communities in Austin to help residents build personalized playlists during Music Discovery sessions.

Autumn Leaves will also host five screenings of the movie "His Neighbor Phil," the story of a devoted husband whose wife has early-onset Alzheimer's disease and is "reawakened" when listening to music. The screenings will be April 5-7 in Houston in partnership with the movie's platinum sponsor, Lori La Bey, an Alzheimer's disease expert and host of Alzheimer's Speaks Radio.

"So Much More to Experience" is just one element of Autumn Leaves' unique resident engagement program called "So Much More" that helps residents live life to the fullest. Other pillars in the "So Much More" initiative include a culinary program ("Savor"), physical activity and movement ("Do"), art ("Express"), and community support and volunteerism ("Share"). For more information, visit http://autumnleaves.com/why-autumn-leaves.

About Autumn Leaves
Family-owned and -operated Autumn Leaves™ memory care assisted living communities are dedicated to serving those living with Alzheimer's and dementia. Autumn Leaves communities are committed to providing exceptionally high-quality care and research-based programs that allow for safe, secure, and active environments for their residents. An acknowledged leader in memory care, Autumn Leaves combines clinical expertise, knowledge of dementia, and heartfelt compassion to create the best possible care environment. Autumn Leaves currently operates more than 40 communities in seven states with the ability to serve more than 1,800 residents. For more information, visit www.autumnleaves.com or call 888-662-8886.

Media Contact: Ann Hinshaw or Sarah Langhorst
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SOURCE Autumn Leaves

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http://www.autumnleaves.com