Vivos Adentro

"Vivos Adentro" is a deeply heart-wrenching and yet uplifting documentary that weaves a fascinating blend of music, medicine, and human resilience. It unfolds the miraculous powers of music as an effective therapy for people suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The movie is helmed by the talented filmmaker Michael Rossato-Bennett and features notable personalities such as Bobby McFerrin, neurologist Oliver Sacks, and social worker Dan Cohen.

The film begins with a portrayal of Dan Cohen, the founder of the non-profit organization Music & Memory. Cohen is a social worker with a very special mission: to bring music into the lives of people living in nursing homes. His staunch belief in the therapeutic influence of music to break through cognitive barriers fuels his journey.

World-renowned neurologist and best-selling author, Dr. Oliver Sacks, brings a scientific perspective to the project, explaining how our brains respond to familiar and enjoyable music. His research concluded that music can revive parts of the brain affected by dementia, making it possible for patients to reconnect with the world around them through the power of music. His insights into the mind vividly illustrate the healing potential of music embedded in our grey matter.

Grammy award-winning vocalist Bobby McFerrin is the charismatic maestro who contributes an artistic perspective to the film. The film showcases McFerrin's enchanting music harmoniously shaping the narrative. His performances are interwoven throughout the movie, reinforcing the broader theme of the transcendent nature of music.

The movie is sprinkled with powerful moments, where music brings about an almost miraculous transformation in patients. We see people in an almost vegetative state come to life as they connect to music from their past. Patients with very little cognitive function suddenly reawaken and engage with the world around them, singing along, moving, and even recalling names and experiences triggered by the tunes. These medicinal miracles are raw and emotional, sparking hope, and unraveling the profound influence of music on cognitively impaired patients.

"Vivos Adentro" demonstrates how deeply ingrained our favorite music is into our consciousness, how it can ignite our minds, and stir up long-lost memories. The sine wave of emotions winds from heartbreak to hope, to the immense possibilities of a future where music could play a role in patient therapy.

The movie is not just about Alzheimer's, dementia, music, or science, but it is about actual human beings, their striking revival and their courage to reconnect with their past and the world, in spite of their cognitive impairments. It demonstrates the incredible resilience and adaptability of the human mind and spirit, offering hope to the desolate landscapes of dementia.

In its essence, "Vivos Adentro" is a beacon of hope, awakening and activism. It emphasizes the need for transformation in the personal care of patients with cognitive impairments. Moreover, it triggers a call to action for the integration of music into patient care. It goes beyond viewing dementia as a mere clinical issue, and instead, shifts the focus to compassionate care and improving patient quality of life.

The movie seamlessly combines elements of a scientific discovery, a social experiment, and the raw human experiences into a compelling narrative. Its brilliant storytelling, intersected with riveting music and powerful expressions of hope, make it a must-watch. Whether you are a music lover, a caregiver, someone with a loved one suffering from cognitive impairment, or just a compassionate viewer, "Vivos Adentro" will touch you deeply and perhaps even change your outlook on the potential of music as a form of therapy.