Music groups are reconnecting those with dementia to their past and improving their wellbeing through creative social activities
Across the UK, an increasing number of people living with dementia are benefiting from social prescribing initiatives that integrate music and creativity into their care. These programmes are proving particularly impactful, offering individuals an opportunity to engage in music-making, songwriting, and group performances, all while helping to enhance their mental and physical wellbeing.
Graham, now 76, is one such person who has rediscovered his love for music despite living with vascular dementia. After a decade of not playing his guitar following the loss of his wife, a phone call from a local music group reignited his passion. Since joining the String of Hearts music programme in Sale, near Manchester, he has found new joy in music, which he says gives him “an incentive to carry on.” Despite the challenges dementia presents, Graham is a regular attendee at group sessions, where he plays a range of instruments and helps others with their music. The programme, run by the community arts organisation String of Hearts, has seen growing popularity, with co-director Lucy Geddes handling an increasing number of referrals each month.
Music’s benefits for those living with dementia are well-documented. It helps stimulate memory, re-establishes personal identity, and combats the apathy and agitation that often accompany the condition. Studies show that familiar music can significantly trigger reminiscence, even in advanced stages of dementia. In addition to cognitive benefits, participating in music-making has been linked to improvements in overall wellbeing. Research indicates that older adults with dementia who engage in music-making show significant improvements in cognitive functioning.
Social prescribing itself is on the rise as part of the UK’s broader healthcare response to the strain on services, exacerbated by the pandemic. Instead of offering clinical treatment, social prescribing connects individuals with activities that support their social, mental, and physical health. Music groups are increasingly part of these referrals, particularly for dementia patients, offering a non-clinical avenue to enhance their lives.
In Brighton, a singing group led by Udita Everett, initially created for those with respiratory issues, has expanded to support those living with dementia. After NHS funding was cut, Everett and her team took the initiative to continue their sessions, eventually moving them online during the pandemic, which allowed them to reach even more participants.
However, while the benefits of social prescribing are clear, maintaining sustainable funding and support for such programmes remains a concern. Music care initiatives like Musica in Devon, which studies the impact of music on dementia, are working to secure long-term funding while ensuring that the unique needs of dementia patients are met.
Through these initiatives, music not only provides a means of expression for those living with dementia but also fosters a sense of community, helping them remain connected to their identities and memories. As Graham reflects, music has given him much more than just a hobby; it has provided him with a renewed sense of purpose.
