Activities for people living with dementia | Music

Music and people living with dementia

It’s quite incredible that people with dementia may not remember their names, but may still be able to recite all the words of a favourite song. The same goes for playing an instrument – sometimes a person with dementia will still be able to play songs they’ve known by heart for years. Encourage this music therapy and play music that they enjoy. Try playing different styles of recorded music and see which ones receive a positive reaction. Ask about their memories of particular songs.

What does the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland say?

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland notes that music stimulates different parts of the brain and can help someone with dementia to express feelings and connect with past and present experiences.