Music for Dementia – You Can’t Take That Away From Me

Why does music have such a positive effect on people living with dementia?

With no current cure for dementia, music evokes memory by way of emotion.  

Music allows the person living with dementia to express themselves and supports positive changes in mood and emotional wellbeing, which can reduce agitation and anxiety at times when emotions can be overwhelming or difficult to process.

It brings people together and re-connects loved ones through shared experiences, improving mental wellbeing and quality of life.  

You Can’t Take That Away From Me

The Simple Music Player is popular worldwide as seen from the Canadian family shown in the video above. It shows the joy that the song, "You cant take that away from me" brings this 96 year old father and the engagement it enables with his son who is filming the clip. The music triggers a memory of his late wife whom he hadn't spoken of for many months previous.

The Simple Music Player

The Simple Music Player is easy to operate, with only 3 controls and has been specifically designed for people living with dementia. 

Designed to look like a classic retro radio to help users recognise the product as something that will play music. It’s easy to set up by a family member or carer, who can upload chosen MP3 music files from a device with a USB cable connection. The simplicity of use means lifting the lid will instantly play the music, with an optional large button for skipping a track, which is only visible when the lid is lifted. The device will stop playing music when the lid is closed.  The volume will be set at an appropriate level as chosen by the family member or carer when setting up the music player.

Long-term trials took place in collaboration with the Bath Institute of Medical Engineering (now called Designability, a national charity that creates and provides products that enable disabled children and adults to live with greater independence and choice.) Trials show that using the music player does not require any prior knowledge or memory to start and stop the music, with the user using instinct to open and close the lid for the music to be played. 

Find the Simple Music Player on Living Made Easy

Find other TV, Radio and Audio Equipment on Living Made Easy

Alzheimer’s Society - Singing for the Brain

With the link between music and the positive benefits for people living with dementia, Alzheimer’s Society has set up Singing for the Brain groups.

Singing for the Brain brings people affected by dementia together to sing a variety of songs they know and love, in a fun and friendly environment. 

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, The Singing for the Brain groups are currently unable to come together in person. Alzheimer’s Society is offering a virtual Singing for the Brain service - either over the internet using Zoom or over the phone (Ring and Sing). 

Find out more here: Singing for the Brain

Thank You For Reading

This article was sponsored by Manage At Home - Your Online Medequip Retail Store.  

You can find more support music and singing for dementia with Alzheimer's Society.

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