Dementia and Singing

Music as a life line.

Current research is showing us that singing interventions have a positive effect on all stages of dementia. 

I'm proud to have assisted the CQC in their research for their latest report on adult social care which highlights this.

See below 

 2017 CQC Report on Adult Social Care 


There is building evidence that music and singing

interventions work to improve the wellbeing of adults living with diagnosed conditions or

dementia:

• Targeted, culturally relevant music and singing interventions can enhance mental

wellbeing and decrease depression in older people with chronic conditions in residential

and community settings.

• Participation in individual personalised music listening sessions can reduce anxiety

and/ or depression in nursing home residents with dementia and that listening to music

may enhance overall wellbeing for adults with dementia.

• Participation in extended (12 months) community singing programmes can improve

quality of life and social and emotional wellbeing in adults living with chronic conditions.

Feelgood sessions

Well known songs

Singing with the accordian supports the harmonic structure of the songs as well as being a popular instrument of pre & post war Britain. In life before TV and IT most homes had either a piano or an accordian and families would sing and dance around them. Perhaps someone in your family used to play?

Classical motifs

You would be suprised how many classical melodies are in your memory. Singing 8 - 16 bar motifs is a perfect alterative to words. Especially useful when singing with those with dementia - when words can fade, the melody will remain. 

Who doesn't know The Can Can!

Reminiscence

Accompanied listening and singing can bring connection and reduce isolation. This can work particularly well at the end of life care stage.

I work within palliative care and am happy to discuss your loved ones musical memories to design the best musical enviroment for transition.