Canadian music retailer Long & McQuade is pleased to be supporting the iPod Project campaign in various Ontario chapters of the Alzheimer Society. From now until February 14th, Long & McQuade locations across the province will serve as drop-off points for your used iPod and MP3 devices.

"Music has the power to stimulate and move us. And fortunately for those living with dementia, music has the power to reignite old memories.

Our goal is to bring music to as many people with dementia as possible. But we need your help. We need old or new iPod Shuffles.

Why an iPod Shuffle? Because its simplicity allows those with dementia to enjoy the music they once loved without any visual distraction.

Please donate an iPod Shuffle, and help return a life."

As defined via a Wikipedia entry, Alzheimer's disease (AD) - also known as Alzheimer disease or just Alzheimer's - accounts for 60% to 70% of cases of dementia. It is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and gets worse over time. The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events (short term memory loss). As the disease advances, symptoms can include: problems with language, disorientation (including easily getting lost), mood swings, loss of motivation, not managing self care, and behavioural issues. As a person's condition declines they often withdraw from family and society.  Gradually, bodily functions are lost, ultimately leading to death. Although the speed of progression can vary, the average life expectancy following diagnosis is three to nine years.

For information on the iPod Project, please visit iPodProject.org

For a list of Ontario chapters currently participating in the iPod Project go to this location. For FAQs on the iPod Project, click here.