Unleashing the Power of Memories Through Music

In this perspective, Atlantic Fellow Elijah Rock reflects on the power of music as a bridge between art and advocacy, revealing how it can ignite memories, deepen connections, and raise awareness about dementia—especially in underserved communities.

^{Elijah Rock and his band bring the stage to life during a Music & Brain Health performance at Club Fugazi, San Francisco, 2024. Photo by Elisabeth Fall.}

What if a simple song could heal?

While it can’t cure diseases like dementia, music possesses an extraordinary ability to soothe, connect, and educate. This idea came alive in August 2024 at Music and Brain Health: The Elijah Rock Show, where I invited an audience at San Francisco’s Club Fugazi to experience the transformative power of music and its ties to brain health.

As I performed beloved classics from The Great American Songbook—a collection of the most influential American popular songs and jazz standards from the early to mid-20th century—I saw how music sparks memories, evokes emotions, and inspires conversations about dementia. That evening showed me how art and advocacy can come together to raise awareness and encourage meaningful action.

Memories Unleashed – Impulse 1: A New Chapter

Building on that unforgettable night, I am thrilled to announce the next chapter of this journey: Memories Unleashed – Impulse 1, a dementia awareness recording album supported by a Pilot Award for Global Brain Health Leaders. The title reflects both the emotional and neurological impact of music: Memories Unleashed speaks to music’s ability to revive and reconnect us with treasured moments, especially for those affected by cognitive decline. Impulse 1 symbolizes the spark of connection—much like a single neural impulse setting off a cascade of thoughts, emotions, and actions. This project is more than a collection of songs—it’s a bridge between communities, a call to action for dementia awareness, and a tribute to the shared memories that define us all.

This project is more than a collection of songs—it’s a bridge between communities, a call to action for dementia awareness, and a tribute to the shared memories that define us all.

—Elijah Rock, Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health

I am honored that Antonia Bennett, the gifted vocalist and daughter of the late, great Tony Bennett, will be a featured artist on the album. As someone who personally witnessed the power of music in her father’s journey with Alzheimer’s, Antonia brings a deeply personal and heartfelt presence to this project. I’m also grateful to collaborate with Dr. Charles Windon—Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology at UCSF, GBHI faculty member, and my co-principal investigator—whose expertise has been invaluable in shaping Memories Unleashed.

^{Watch the lyric video for Elijah Rock's first single, "Route 66," from his upcoming album, Memories Unleashed.}

Music as a Bridge

Dementia disproportionately impacts Black, Latinx, and other underserved communities, many of whom are underrepresented in research and diagnosed later in their illness. Memories Unleashed seeks to address these inequities by using music’s universal language to connect with these communities. Featuring jazz standards and songs from The Great American Songbook, the project conjures nostalgia while fostering conversations about brain health. 

The album’s reach will extend through two Memories Unleashed LIVE events planned for March 28, 2025, at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and May 3, 2025, at the Historic Lyric Theatre in Miami. Funded in part by the Alzheimer’s Association and the Global Brain Health Institute, these performances will blend live music with educational components to evaluate how music stimulates brain activity. 

The album’s artwork, created in collaboration with Atlantic Fellow Kiggundu Rodney Erismas, will visually connect audiences to its mission, reinforcing the deep ties between memory, culture, and identity. These immersive events aim to dismantle stigma, encourage participation in dementia research, and inspire attendees to engage with their communities.

Reflections and Aspirations

For me, music is a powerful tool—not just for entertainment, but for creating a bridge between art and advocacy, especially in the realm of dementia awareness. Music connects us on a deeply human level, bridging generations and prompting essential conversations. Performing that night at Club Fugazi reaffirmed my belief in the transformative potential of the arts to educate and inspire change.

As an Atlantic Fellow, my mission is to bridge the gap between music, arts, science, and technology to create a brighter future for brain health. The journey of Memories Unleashed is just beginning, and I’m excited to share it with all of you. Together, we can use the power of music to amplify awareness, reduce stigma, and inspire change for communities worldwide—one song at a time.

Learn more at www.memoriesunleashed.org.

Register for the Memories Unleashed: Jazz & Brain Health live show on March 28 at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (free). Panelists will include Charles Windon and Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health Aaron Colverson, Emilie Brotherhood, Wepnyu Yembe Njamnshi.

^{Elijah Rock and his ensemble captivate the audience with a soulful performance at a Music & Brain Health event at Club Fugazi in San Francisco, 2024. Photo by Elisabeth Fall.}