Music: Supporting Those Living with Dementia and Their Carers
Music has a valuable part to play in supporting those who suffer from dementia. Find out more about how pBone Music have raised awareness about this issue.
Dementia is a debilitating disease that can dramatically alter the cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of a person's life. Worldwide, around 50 million people have dementia. That number is projected to rise to 152 million people by 2050. It is anticipated that there will be 1.14 million people living with dementia in the UK by 2025, according to Alzheimer’s Research – up from around 885,000 in 2021.
Additionally, 15% of older adults without Alzheimer's disease likely have mild cognitive impairment (MCI), between normal cognitive ageing and Alzheimer's disease, and up to 38% of these adults will go on to develop Alzheimer's within 5 years.
A new research study, published in the American Journal of Geriatrics, has shown that music provides a "significant effect on cognitive functioning for older adults with probable MCI (mild cognitive impairment) or dementia" and that "music showed promise to support quality of life and mood".
The UK charity, Music for Dementia, works with more than 200 charities and organisations and also speaks to the music industry and government to raise awareness and understanding of the role of music in dementia care. They also provide a number of resources to help you bring music into the lives of people living with dementia.
Watch below to find out about our work with Age UK in Cheshire and using brass music to help overcome isolation and promote well-being for adult learners in partnership with Fodens Brass Band:
