Movements for the Mind is a new student-led nonprofit that uses music and art therapy to aid those suffering from dementia. It was founded last autumn by Mira Rajagopalan and Anushka Rajasekhar, two Amador Valley High School sophomores. Most of the nonprofit’s officers are students at Amador Valley and Foothill high schools in Pleasanton.

“Our mission is to help aid people suffering from dementia through art and music therapy,” says Co-President Rajagopalan, “Since there is no definitive cure for dementia, we feel that we can connect with seniors through these methods and maybe help express themselves. Our organization is completely run by teenagers who are dedicated to sharing their talents to help others.”

Currently all of the group’s activities are being held online through video conference sessions to prevent putting seniors at risk. Art-related activities include crafts, drawing, painting, and other therapeutic projects led by student volunteers. Music-related activities for seniors include listening to music played by volunteers and learning songs on various instruments. “We strive to use our music in interactive ways such as musical history tours in which we play popular songs from different decades and include fun facts about the time period,” according to group officers.

The nonprofit works with senior centers, which note that seniors love seeing younger people. “We believe that when teenagers get to interact with them, the experience is much more lively for the dementia patients,” notes Rajagopalan.

Recently the nonprofit set up a new program called Musical Fridays at one senior center. “I participated in this program, and it was incredibly heartwarming,” says Co-President Rajasekhar. “The music we played for the seniors was familiar, and they began to sing along and interact in our games. The positive reactions we received really made me feel like we were making an impact. They seemed very engaged and in the moment, which was our whole goal.”

Movements for the Mind is seeking additional student volunteers, which would allow the group to serve more people by providing more activities. The group’s Co-Presidents say this is a great opportunity for students who play music or have skills in art and are willing to share those skills to help dementia patients.

The group hosted an art workshop for seniors on June 17th, in partnership with a local senior center. Volunteers taught art skills and techniques that allowed participating seniors to express themselves with art. The nonprofit will also be hosting art workshops open to any seniors on June 27, July 11, and July 25 at 2:30 pm. Links to the events and additional information will be posted to the calendar on the group’s website.

For more information about Movements for the Mind, please visit www.movementsforthemind.com.