For most people, the convergence of dementia and music may only appear when the occasional video goes viral online of somebody's grandparent (usually that is, but of course all ages can be affected) playing an instrumental piece or singing all the lyrics to a song they learned decades previously, even if they can't recognise their own loved ones anymore. The most visible example of this recently was the brilliant Paul Harvey, who's son Nick gave him just 4 notes which immediately turned into a remarkable improvised piece, later orchestrated for the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, reaching the UK Top 40 and raising millions for charity. For others though, e.g. trained music therapists, choir leaders, volunteers and carers, the value of music- or musicking, to use Christopher Small's coined verb, encompassing all activities from listening to composing to improvising etc.- is crystal clear, immeasurable, essential even for those living with dementia and the conditions that cause that set of symptoms, as well as various others, every single day.
I'm no expert, but with my musical training, and experience as a Play Worker at Challengers (a Surrey based charity providing leisure activities to children and young people, with disabilities https://disability-challengers.org ) and PA/Respite carer during my time living in Cardiff, I have seen the power of music. For those who may have barriers that neurotypical people couldn't even imagine, music has the ability to engage a racing mind, to be a catalyst for interaction with a reclusive one, to bring back long-lost memories- the list goes on.
When back visiting Cardiff recently, I went to visit my friend Margaret, who I used to see a couple of times a week with the goal of helping her remain 'active and independent'. After a walk on Penarth Pier for a seaside ice cream, we headed back home for some steel tongue drum playing, and it was an amazing experience! If you're not familiar, the instrument is a circular idiophone with numbered 'tongues' cut into the surface, tuned to a major scale, to be hit with small rubber beaters such as those used on glockenspiels etc.
We sat opposite each other and improvised melodies and rhythms, did some call and response, experimented with different ways of using the beaters and more. We barely said a word but Margaret's daughter and I agreed that there were few activities that she would likely be able to engage so clearly happily in for a comparable length of time and also that playing music in this way together, despite not talking, was a way of actually feeling a much closer connection than you might through dialogue, which often is difficult for those who get confused or are no longer able to follow an extended conversation. For 10 minutes or more, until it came to a, very well cadenced I may add, conclusion, Margaret and I both benefitted from the amazing power of music. I was totally engrossed and relaxed for the duration, even with the limited musical possibilities of the instrument, and she clearly felt happy with the activity, not needing to ask questions or worry about things, which dementia can of course often cruelly cause to happen. Margaret also has regular piano sessions and sings with the amazing Forget Me Not Chorus, the South Wales-based charity bringing the joy of singing to those with dementia as well as their families. I fel very lucky to have experienced the benefit this brings up close- a video snippet can be seen here :)
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CfCyHhWqv8w/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
There's a ton of amazing research being done in this area by loads of organisations and I encourage you all to check it out if you fancy! See the following links: