Watch our video for top tips from our music therapists
Why not get started by watching our short video from our music therapists on ways you can use music to support the wellbeing of a loved one living with dementia.
Dementia information hub
Music can be a powerful tool if you’re living with dementia, or if you’re supporting someone who is.
Music can help unlock memories and keep hold of your personal identity. Making music together with others can build connections as well as being a pleasurable activity.
That’s why we’ve produced some resources for you to support your wellbeing, or to support the wellbeing of a loved one who is living with dementia.
Download our dementia information resource
On this page you’ll get a sample of the information and resources that are available in our full dementia information pack. To get access to all of our top tips from music therapists simply click the button below and sign up, and we’ll email the pack to you.
Top tips from our music therapists
Using music to support dementia
- Together, choose a musical genre to explore, one that you can listen to, sing-along to or play. Some examples of genres include popular songs from a particular decade, musicals, folk music etc.
- Make a playlist together you can sing-along or listen to. Don’t make assumptions around what music someone else might like – be led by them where possible. Playlist for Life can help you get started (see more information about this, below).
- Don’t be afraid to drop the words altogether. Making music without words can be just as effective in maintaining a connection with someone, whether through humming or even just by tapping along to the music.
Want to find out more? Click on the button below to sign up for our dementia information pack. (The button will take you to the bottom of this page).
Directory of music services for people living with dementia
Looking for music services for people living with dementia? Read below to find out the services in your area.
If you know of any services that you think should be on this list but aren’t, please contact us at [email protected] and we can add this to the list!
Nationwide services
Alzheimer’s Society Singing for the Brain groups
Find a music therapist through BAMT
North West England
London
Scotland
Dementia Inclusive Singing Network
Luminate Scottish Dementia Arts Festival
Scottish Chamber Orchestra ReConnect
Scottish Opera Memory Spinners
Yorkshire and the Humber
Enjoy music with a loved one living with dementia
Making a playlist together with a loved one is a way for you to understand what music they enjoy. We recommend using Playlist for Life to help you build the playlist. To help inspire you about the type of songs you may want to include, you might want to focus on a particular decade like this playlist from the 1950s.
You can also view the playlist here.
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Read stories about people living with dementia and their music therapy journey
Val’s story
Val is 86 years old and living with vascular dementia – a diagnosis that brought uncertainty and change for her and her family. However, music therapy has become a source of hope and happiness.
Marie’s story
Marie lives with dementia in a care home in the North of England. Music therapy helps to bring her joy and unlock precious memories.
Stephen’s story
Living with dementia affects how Stephen engages with people and the world around him. Music provides him with a space to connect, and a rare opportunity to take the lead.