Music can be incredibly powerful. A familiar song can transport us back to a particular person, place or moment in our lives — sometimes bringing back feelings and memories we thought had been forgotten.
For someone living with dementia, familiar and meaningful music can provide enjoyment, comfort and connection. Even when communication and memory become more difficult, a much-loved song may still feel instantly recognisable.
Music is closely connected with memory and emotion. Songs heard during important periods of our lives — childhood, teenage years, weddings, family celebrations, dancing, holidays or simply music played regularly at home — can become associated with powerful personal memories.
For a person living with dementia, hearing familiar music may encourage reminiscence. They might remember a lyric, begin singing, tap their feet, smile, talk about someone from their past or simply become more engaged with the people around them.
The response will be different for every individual, which is why personal choice is so important.
Listening to familiar music can offer many positive experiences for someone living with dementia.
Encouraging memories
A familiar song can sometimes prompt memories of people, places and experiences from earlier life.
Supporting communication
Someone who finds conversation difficult may still sing along, recognise lyrics or respond through facial expressions, movement or gestures.
Lifting mood
Favourite music can bring pleasure, comfort and a sense of familiarity, particularly when someone is feeling unsettled or withdrawn.
Creating connection
Listening together can give relatives, friends and carers something meaningful to share. A song can become the starting point for a conversation, a singalong or simply a happy moment together.
Encouraging movement
Music naturally invites movement. Someone may tap their fingers, sway, clap, dance or move their feet to the rhythm.
Providing relaxation
Gentle, familiar music may also help create a peaceful and reassuring experience when that is what the individual enjoys.
There isn’t one particular type of music that is best for dementia.
The most meaningful music is usually music that means something personally to the listener.
Think about:
Someone who adored The Beatles may respond very differently to someone who grew up listening to Vera Lynn, classical music, gospel, country, Bhangra or traditional Scottish songs.
It is the personal connection that matters.
Music should always be an enjoyable experience rather than something imposed on someone.
Watch for their response. A smile, singing, tapping, relaxed posture or increased engagement may indicate that they are enjoying the music.
Equally, a particular song can sometimes bring back emotional or upsetting memories. If someone appears uncomfortable, distressed or agitated, simply change the music or stop listening.
Enjoying familiar music at home, in hospital or in a care setting can be a valuable everyday activity, but it is different from music therapy.
Music therapy is a professional therapeutic intervention delivered by a suitably qualified music therapist who can use music in a structured way according to an individual’s needs.
You don’t need to be taking part in formal music therapy, however, to enjoy the pleasure, memories and connections that everyday music can bring.
Music doesn’t have to be complicated.
It could be listening to a favourite album together, singing an old song, dancing in the kitchen, playing familiar hymns on a Sunday afternoon or giving someone their own simple way to listen whenever they choose.
At Music 4 Memories, we believe music should be easy to access, particularly for people who may find smartphones, apps, Wi-Fi or complicated controls difficult to use.
Sometimes, something as simple as pressing one button and hearing a familiar song can create a very special moment.
Imagine bringing a smile to the face of a loved one living with dementia. Our personalised music headsets offer a unique and meaningful way to connect with them, even from afar.
