New website promotes benefits of music for people living with dementia

A new website has been launched today to promote how music benefits people living with dementia.

Music for Dementia 2020 is the first ever central information hub for advice, evidence-based research and expertise on why music is essential for people living with dementia and their carers.

The website, which is the first of its kind demonstrating the importance of music in dementia care, has been launched in response to an ILC-UK’s Commission report published in January.

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Baroness Sally Greengross, International Longevity Centre-UK (ILC), said: “ILC very much welcomes the musicfordementia2020 website, which responds directly to recommendations made by our Commission on Dementia and Music.

“Analysis by the ILC, undertaken for the Commission, showed that music helps to significantly minimise some of the symptoms of dementia, such as agitation, and can help to tackle anxiety and depression. Moreover, evidence suggests that music helps us to reconnect with loved ones with dementia.

“However, at present we know that too many people are missing out on the opportunity to engage in music-based activities. Bringing together learning and information about activities in this website will be a vital first step to widening access and opportunity for everyone.”

The website follows the recent announcement from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock MP, on the inclusion of musical activities, including music therapy, in care for people living with dementia to help reduce and manage dementia symptoms.

The Department of Health and Social Care recommends that GPs prescribe personal playlists along with other forms of musical activities to reduce the symptoms of dementia, such as agitation, apathy and psychological distress comes from compelling evidence.