Marti Kaye and the Memory of Music

A screenshot from a video posted of Adam playing his guitar for his mom Marti as she whistles along.

Marti Kaye, who we lost earlier this year, was a Del Mar citizen who was deeply involved in shaping her community. She was also active in the early days of DMCC, volunteering and helping to raise funds.

Marti’s final years were marked by the many losses that come with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease. Her son, Adam Kaye, a communications professional and musician who has carried on his mom’s tradition of being involved in the Del Mar community, discovered that even as his mom lost more of her memories, they could continue to strengthen their bond through their shared love of music.

In September 2023, NPR’s All Things Considered filed a touching report on Marti and Adam’s story, and the broader implications for music therapy in the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. You can listen here.