Nebraska Heartbeats, a collaborative effort between UNO’s Maverick Quartet and professionals from UNMC, aims to explore the therapeutic effects of music on autobiographical memories in dementia patients. Led by clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Vaishali Phatak, the project seeks to uncover if long-term memories can be triggered even in early stages of memory loss like in Alzheimer’s disease. With dementia prevalence rising in Nebraska, innovative approaches like music therapy offer promising avenues for care and treatment. The research focuses on individuals with mild cognitive impairment, selecting calming and relatable music to evoke positive responses.