The Power of Music in the Lives of People Living with Dementia

Abstract

There is a substantial and growing body of research and practice showing the extraordinary impact of music and particularly group singing on the lives of people living with dementia. This chapter will focus on the ways in which people with dementia are affected by music. Research evidence and practical advice will be given to inform and to enable motivated individuals, carers, volunteers and professionals to use music in different ways to engage people living with dementia. It is not about music therapy, which requires highly skilled and trained professionals. This chapter is about using music for the benefit of almost everyone living with dementia. Most people living with dementia do not require therapy but they will enjoy and be enriched by access to music in a variety of settings such as the community, residential homes, hospitals and family homes. Different ways of delivering and enabling people to experience music will be covered. Consideration will be given to the use of music as a means of calming or stimulating, as a vehicle to aid reminiscence, as a way of providing individuals with access to their own playlist, as a stimulus and way to promote dancing and activity. Finally, the powerful and extraordinary benefits that can be gained from enabling people to sing with others will be explored. Issues about organization, content, membership and focus of singing groups for people with dementia as well as their carers will be addressed.