Dementia research charity Alzheimer’s Research UK has partnered with national campaign Music for Dementia to raise awareness of the positive role music can play in supporting people living with dementia.
Alzheimer’s Research UK is recruiting volunteers with dementia (along with their carers) to join their research platform Join Dementia Research. The platform is seeking volunteers to participate in a study exploring the use of music as a therapy.
The charity will be uploading playlists by staff, supporters, and researchers to m4d radio - a free online radio station - as well as sharing contributors’ stories via social media and blog posts.
CEO of Alzheimer’s Research UK Hilary Evans, who has curated a playlist, said: “Music plays a very important role in many people’s lives. Music can connect people, stir emotions, trigger memories and be a source of comfort or inspiration. Like many people, I have personal experience of dementia in my family and these music choices reflect these experiences. Dementia stands out as a condition that carries an enormous impact but is met by a desperate lack of effective treatments, and research offers the best hope for changing this.”
Grace Meadows, campaign director from Music for Dementia, commented: “At the heart of Music for Dementia is a passion to harness the power of music to improve the quality of life for those living with dementia and their carers. Music’s role to support health and wellbeing has come into sharp focus in recent years and we know that music can improve and enhance the quality of life for all. That is why we are very excited to be joining forces with Alzheimer’s Research UK, this partnership is a fantastic opportunity for the two organisations to come together to use our collective influence and shared commitment to broaden the way people think about dementia and to create positive outcomes for people living with dementia and their carers. Next month we will be launching our Power of Music report, alongside UK Music, to continue shining a light on the integral role of music in dementia care.”
