Israel Castillo Hernandez, MMus, MA
Musician and Educator
We can improve brain health by building communities where people living with dementia remain connected and valued. Science, the arts and lived experience all have a role in creating healthier societies.
Current Work
Israel is a viola da gamba player, educator and founder of Music and Dementia Mexico. Through shared musical improvisation, he brings together people living with dementia, carers, musicians and researchers, fostering dignity, learning and person-centred care.
Personal Hero
My Mother Linda Rose, Francisco Toledo and the volunteers of the 1985 Mexico City earthquake
Words of Strength
Building meaningful relationships. Connecting people through music. Creative collaboration. Listening deeply. Bridging disciplines.
Vision
We can improve brain health by building communities where people living with dementia remain connected, valued and included. Science, the arts and lived experience all have a role in creating more compassionate and healthier societies.
Strategy
Israel leads Music and Dementia Mexico, bringing together people living with dementia, carers, musicians and researchers through shared musical improvisation while working with researchers to study its impact on individuals, relationships and communities.
Impact
As an Atlantic Fellow, Israel hopes to build an international network that connects research, artistic practice and education, helping relational music programmes become part of dementia care and community life across Mexico and Latin America.
Motivation
Mexico's National Dementia Plan recognises the need for research, innovation and support for carers. Israel's work develops and studies relational arts practices that strengthen person-centred care, inclusion and community participation.
Education & Experience
Israel is a Mexican viola da gamba player, educator and founder of Music and Dementia Mexico. He holds master's degrees in Viola da Gamba Performance and New Audiences and Innovative Practice from the Royal Conservatoire The Hague. His work brings together artistic practice, research and education to develop relationship-centred approaches to dementia and brain health.
Awards & Honors
Videos
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Israel
a NoteHave ideas for global brain health or a collaboration? I would love to hear from you. Feel free to send an introductory note.
