Music for Dementia celebrates 30,000 listeners in first month

Music for Dementia (m4d) Radio is celebrating its first set of audience listening figures of 30,000 since its launch last month.

The internet radio station which was developed specifically for people with dementia and their carers shows music has been accessed by more than 15,000 devices from within homes and care settings and with listeners streaming 383,000 tracks, the online station has already been enjoyed by an estimated one in 20 people living with dementia across the UK.

According to Alzheimer’s Society, the number of people with dementia is set to rise from 850,000 today to more than a million by 2025.

'm4d Radio aims to reduce the feeling of isolation'

Grace Meadows, Music for Dementia programme director said: “Although we knew there was a strong appetite for this vital resource, we’re thrilled with our audience numbers, less than a month into being on air.

“We know that music is such a wonderful connector and has the ability to bring people together in the here and now.

"m4d Radio aims to reduce the feeling of isolation for those living with dementia and their carers by creating a sense of community around music – a shared experience that all can take part in.”

m4d Radio gives listeners the chance to tune into the mix station or one of four other stations playing music by decade from the 1930s to the 1970s. The music covers music to move to, songs from musicals and soothing tracks for sundowning and night time.

m4d Radio is non-commercial and does not contain advertisements, avoiding distraction or confusion for people with mid- to late stages of dementia. Similarly, the talking sections of each programme are kept to a minimum.

The station has also been supported by celebrities including Music for Dementia ambassador Lauren Laverne, actress Vicky McClure, director Armando Lannucci and former Strictly judge Arelene Phillips.

At the launch last month, radio presenter Ms Laverne said: "We all instinctively know how music can help connect us to others, but for people living with dementia music provides a lifeline.

“When words fail, music has the power to reach people emotionally and in many cases trigger memories.

“m4d Radio is a vital resource that aims to stop those living with dementia feeling isolated, especially during these unprecedented times and this is a simple way that everyone can help.”

m4d Radio aims to provide a lifeline for those living with dementia by helping them connect through music and help soothe some of the often distressing symptoms of the disease, including anxiety and agitation.

m4d Radio is available at m4dradio.com/ via any internet-enabled device including computers, tablets, mobile phones, smart TVs and Alexa.