Music has long been a universal language, capable of evoking powerful emotions and memories. For individuals living with dementia, a personal playlist of beloved songs can serve as a lifeline, providing comfort and connection to loved ones. According to music and dementia charity Playlist for Life, a personal playlist can help reduce distressing symptoms, improve connections between carers and loved ones, and offer respite and comfort for everyone listening.
The charity's approach is backed by two decades of scientific research and over 13 years of supporting people affected by dementia. Through its network of community groups and organisations called Help Points, alongside health and social care professionals, Playlist for Life works across the UK to provide resources and training to people on the frontline of dementia care. Its aim is to make personal playlists a standard part of dementia care.
Sally Magnusson, founder of Playlist for Life, discovered the power of music when caring for her mother, Mamie, who lived with dementia. After witnessing how music helped Mamie connect with her family and brought comfort to everyone who listened with her, Sally wanted to share this knowledge with others. She founded Playlist for Life in 2013, and since then, the charity has helped thousands of people to live well with dementia.
One of the stories highlighted by Playlist for Life is about husband and wife Harry and Margaret, the first couple to be supported by the charity. Harry lived with dementia, and as it progressed, Margaret would leave Harry's care home every day in tears because he wasn't able to talk to her anymore. However, after creating a personal playlist for Harry, the couple was able to connect again, with Harry suddenly able to sing and respond to Margaret.
Playlist for Life has trained 8,000 health and social care professionals to create and use personal playlists in dementia care and support. A team from NHS Fife reported that out of a group of 10 adults, 80% needed less medication to manage stress and distress after using playlists in their work. The charity's Help Point network is key to supporting people who live at home with dementia, enabling them to stay connected to loved ones and their community for as long as possible.
The charity acknowledges that dementia isn't easy, but wants everyone to know that music can help. To raise awareness of the power of music and share real-life stories, Playlist for Life launched its awareness campaign, National Playlist Day, on September 18. The campaign celebrates the incredible impact music is having for people living with dementia across the UK.
Individuals can get involved with National Playlist Day by creating their own personal playlist and sharing their story. By digging out old tapes, CDs, records, and streaming history, people can create a playlist that could bring moments of happiness and flashes of joy at any time, and could be a key to comfort should they ever develop dementia. Michael Timmons, executive director at Playlist for Life, encourages everyone to take action and make personal playlists a standard part of dementia care.
Key points
- A personal playlist of meaningful songs can help reduce distressing symptoms and improve connections for people living with dementia.
- Playlist for Life has trained 8,000 health and social care professionals to create and use personal playlists in dementia care and support.
- The charity's approach is backed by two decades of scientific research and over 13 years of supporting people affected by dementia.
