Local musician Mary Sue Wilkinson has published a book she hopes will help those suffering with dementia, as well as their caregivers. "Songs You Know By Heart: A Simple Guide for Using Music in Dementia Care" includes several positive stories and interactions with dementia sufferers and comes with a music CD.

Wilkinson, also the founder and president of the Singing Heart to Heart program, says her book was inspired by her musical interactions with her aging father-in-law, who had declined to the point of not remembering names yet knew every word of the hymns she sang for him.

"It was an amazing transformation that clearly brought him joy," says Wilkinson. "And more importantly, it gave us a way to stay connected."

Wilkinson regularly visits the Grand Traverse Pavilions in Traverse City to play for patients. "Anyone can use music," says Wilkinson, to help foster feelings of comfort and belonging.

Pavilions staff member Kari Belanger says it's easy to see Wilkinson's music is having an impact.

"We see an increase in overall mood and well-being, as residents are singing along, tapping their hands and feet to the beat of the music, smiling and are more engaged with their peers and family members," says Belanger.

"Songs You Know By Heart" was published by Mission Point Press in Traverse City.