Alzheimer's Society Work With BBC To Reveal Power Of 'Singing For The Brain'

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Also Included In: Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 09 Dec 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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BBC2 Wonderland Series ends on 10 December at 21.50 with 'Alzheimer's the Musical' - a powerful documentary about the impact of dementia on relationships and the enduring power of love and music.

The BBC worked closely with members of Alzheimer's Society's Singing for the Brain groups in Bristol to show the difficulties faced by a number of couples at different stages in their dementia journey.

All the couples featured in the programme receive support and inspiration from their participation in Singing for the Brain groups. Singing for the Brain is a service run by Alzheimer's Society for people with dementia and their carers that uses singing to bring people together in a friendly and stimulating social environment. There are currently more than 30 groups that meet regularly, led by a singing leader and supported by Alzheimer's Society staff and volunteers.

Group singing provides a novel way for people with dementia, along with their carers, to express themselves - a means of accessing memories and an opportunity to interact creatively with others. Even when many memories are hard to retrieve, music can sometimes still be recalled and the documentary shows how uniting this can be for a person with dementia and a carer - if only for a short while.

Robert Hurst, who leads one of the Alzheimer's Society Singing for the Brain groups featured in the documentary, says,

'This documentary was a chance to show people the role music plays in communication and in particular the impact that Singing for the Brain has on people with dementia and their carers. Leading these groups for Alzheimer's Society with our dedicated volunteers is a great privilege.

'I've seen people who can barely speak when they enter the room transformed by the music. They are able to sing and communicate within the circle with songs from the past that unlock old memories and experience the thrill of learning new vocal routines

'It's so much more than that though; where possible these sessions become a mutual support network where people with dementia and their carers can express themselves in a friendly environment. I think that's something that really comes through in this programme. There are always lots of laughs and sometimes a few tears but it all adds up to that much needed relief from social isolation and a chance to be reunited through the words, music and emotion from the soundtrack of their lives.'

For more information about Singing for the Brain go here.

Source
Alzheimer's Society

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