A 21st-century health and social care crisis

In 2019 it was recorded that 57 million people across the globe are living with dementia. A recent study suggests that 153 million people with suffering from the disease by 2050. Dementia is not a natural part of aging and is caused by a disease damaging brain nerve cells. The nerve cells carry messages between different parts of the brain and other parts of the body. As more never cells are damaged, the brain becomes less able to work properly. Dementia comes with a heart-breaking personal cost and doesn’t just affect the individual, it can also devastate families and friends.

As a way of helping care for and support people with dementia, music has been shown to often have a dramatic effect. Music has been shown to help soothe, stimulate and bring to mind long-forgotten memories.

Music in care

A perfect way to unlock memories through music is singing. Studies suggest that singing can reach parts of the damaged brain in ways other forms of communication cannot. It is thought that musical memories are often preserved in the disease because key areas linked to the memories are often left un-damaged. Music can also benefit caregivers by reducing stress and providing a way to connect with those they care for.

If you would like to use music the help those you care for with dementia, consider these tips.

1. Think about your loved one’s preferences
2. Set the mood
3. Avoid overstimulation
4. Encourage movement
5. Sing along
6. Pay attention to your loved one’s response.

We have put together a playlist of songs related to HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The playlist contains a mixture of songs taking those that listen on a musical journey from the day the queen was born right up to the present day.

It’s often noted that our sense of smell is closely tied to our memory. This is the name for music. There are many moments within our lives where music can trigger memories. For example, a song played for a first dance at a wedding may trigger a vivid positive memory. However, consider there may be some songs that trigger negative memories.

To download the Spotify playlist click or scan the link below.