Alzheimer's Research UK joins forces with Music for Dementia as new study gets underway

Alzheimer’s Research UK has joined forces with Music for Dementia to “harness the power of music” and help improve the quality of life for those living with dementia.

The partnership comes as Alzheimer’s Research UK is seeking volunteers with dementia and their carers to sign up to the research platform, Join Dementia Research, and take part in a study to explore music as a therapy.

Prof Keith McAdam, founder of the charity Music for my Mind, is looking for 1,000 volunteers to help investigate whether personalised music listening could improve behaviour and psychological symptoms.

Hilary Evans, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK who has curated a playlist for Music for Dementia said: “Music plays a very important role in many people’s lives. Music can connect people, stir emotions, trigger memories and be a source of comfort or inspiration.

“Like many people, I have personal experience of dementia in my family and these music choices reflect these experiences. Dementia stands out as a condition that carries an enormous impact but is met by a desperate lack of effective treatments, and research offers the best hope for changing this.”

Through collecting examples and evidence of the ways music helps, the team want to look at how personalised music can be used a standard part of dementia care in the UK.

Grace Meadows, campaign director from Music for Dementia, said: “At the heart of Music for Dementia is a passion to harness the power of music to improve the quality of life for those living with dementia and their carers. Music’s role to support health and wellbeing has come into sharp focus in recent years and we know that music can improve and enhance the quality of life for all.

“That is why we are very excited to be joining forces with Alzheimer’s Research UK, this partnership is a fantastic opportunity for the two organisations to come together to use our collective influence and shared commitment to broaden the way people think about dementia and to create positive outcomes for people living with dementia and their carers.

“Next month we will be launching our Power of Music report, alongside UK Music, to continue shining a light on the integral role of music in dementia care.”

Volunteers must have dementia or be a carer for someone with dementia. Involvement in the study will last up to three months and will be conducted entirely online, meaning it can be done from the comfort of home.

Tim Parry, director of Alzheimer’s Research UK said: “Without volunteers, we will not be able to make the progress in research that people with dementia and their loved ones deserve.

“Volunteering for dementia research can be extremely rewarding and is vital for helping get important studies off the ground.”

To sign up and register an interest in taking part in the studies, ring Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Dementia Research Infoline on 0300 111 5111 or visit the Join Dementia Research website.