How a central TN woman is using music to fight Alzheimer's

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) – Millions of families are struggling with the effects of one of the world’s cruelest diseases – Alzheimer’s disease.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, nearly 130,000 people in Tennessee suffer from the disease. Alzheimer's was listed as the fifth leading cause of death in the United States in 2021.

Early symptoms include memory loss that interferes with daily life, confusion about time or place, and poor judgment. For years, the Alzheimer's Association has hosted walks to raise awareness and provide funds for research.

Walkers can host their own fundraisers as a team and Amanda Goddard does this from the comfort of her home by playing the piano.

“It's amazing what music can do,” said Amanda Goddard, who developed a talent for playing the piano as a young girl. Her grandmother Jane, who couldn't play, loved to listen.

“She loved coming to our concerts and would just come over when I played the piano and sit and listen,” Goddard said.

Jane moved in with Goddard's family after her husband's death and became an integral part of Amanda's life.

“She woke up at 4am. Made her own breakfast. She had her own food. She had friends,” Goddard said.

As they grew older, their relationship deepened.

“As soon as I got my license, I drove her to the grocery store and we went shopping,” she said.

But time and illness changed everything. Jane was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2016.

“A doctor can give you a diagnosis and we should believe him. But it’s different because I’ve known her my whole life,” Goddard said. Jane is now 93 and her memories have faded.

“You could go up to her and say, 'Hey Jane, how are you?' and she said, 'It's going great, how are you?'” Goddard said.

Determined not to fade into the background, Amanda became involved with the Alzheimer's Association and formed a team to raise money for her annual walks.

“I knew I wouldn’t go door to door. That just wasn’t me,” Goddard said.

Instead, she used her talent as a piano player to raise funds.

“If you donate, leave your email address. I say, “Hey, you got a piano request.” Type in your favorite song or whatever you want me to play. “I find the music, learn it and post a picture of myself playing it,” Goddard explained.

Sometimes she plays in front of her grandmother.

“Sometimes you can hear their little claps in the background. Even when I have Alzheimer’s and I’m sick, she’s there for me,” Goddard said.

Last year, the Nashville Walk to End Alzheimer's was the fourth largest walk in the country, raising more than $1.35 million, according to the Alzheimer's Association. This year it will be held at a new location, First Horizon Park, home of the Nashville Sounds on Saturday, November 9th.

Register and donate here.

The Rutherford County Walk is scheduled for Saturday, November 2nd at Middle Tennessee State University's Hayes Soccer Complex.

Register and donate here.

Request a donation to Amanda's team here.

Do you have any further information about this story? You can email me at [email protected].