Project gives people with dementia a song

An industry first has produced music inspired by the life stories of people with dementia.

The music-based intervention was developed by the non-profit, independent medical research organization Neuroscience Research Australia and the creative development program the Talent Development Project. The initiative – Music and Memories – connects people with dementia with young singer-songwriters who compose original songs based on the lives of the participants.

“It is believed that exposure to music alone has therapeutic benefits, but it is also believed that music provides a platform for the cognitive processes that create memories,” says Dr Craig Sinclair – senior research fellow at NeuRA and UNSW. “By working with TDP, we are building pace on the powerful relationship between music and memories and giving people with dementia and their families a unique gift through song.”

Through interviews with people with different stages of dementia, Jordyn, Sam and Jade – musicians from the TDP graduate THRIVE program – were able to highlight their life stories.

“Because time is a burdensome factor in the diagnosis of dementia, giving NeuRA participants the space to tell their life stories with our artists, and their experiences being captured in song before the disease progresses, we hope this will be a special experience for the participant will be and a valuable experience. gift to the family,” said TDP artistic director Peter Cousens.

The collaboration also benefits the songwriters by providing them with a meaningful focus for their creativity, Mr. Cousens said. “Our very talented musicians know how to develop their art, but it is a new challenge to create a piece that touches the essence of someone else’s life and memories. The positive impact this can provide to people with cognitive disabilities, and the reassuring effect on their families, gives Jordyn, Sam and Jade real meaning and purpose in what they do.”

Last month, TDP musicians performed their songs and presented them to participants May, John and Ann, and their families. The songs will eventually be available to stream on all music platforms.

There are currently more than 421,000 people living with dementia in Australia. Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare predicts this number could double by 2054.

“With Australia on the brink of a significant increase in dementia cases, the development of interventions and therapeutic approaches through medical research is more important than ever,” said Dr Sinclair.

View the Music and Memories program below:

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