A FORMER Glasgow Times Scotswoman of the Year has made a moving film about her mother’s dementia diagnosis as a new awareness campaign gets underway.
Broadcaster and author Sally Magnusson, who founded Playlist for Life after the death of her mum Mamie, is hoping the video will highlight the power of personal playlists for people living with the disease.
“Music really came into its own when my mum developed dementia,” Sally explains in the film.
“She once described the experience as being on a long road getting further and further away from herself. We found the songs she loved kept her connected, not just to us, her family, but crucially to herself.”
The experience encouraged Sally to set up Playlist for Life in 2013 and since then, the charity has trained more than 7000 health and social care professionals in using personal playlists in dementia care.
The charity also works with 1000 community ‘Help Points’ around the UK, where people living with dementia, their loved ones and carers can access free advice and materials on how to build personal playlists and use them effectively.
During the COVID-19 pandemic the team adapted to restrictions by offering materials through the post, hosting webinars, and offering phone support to people living with dementia and their carers, who were often left isolated due to lockdown restrictions.
The charity’s Songs for Dementia campaign, which runs throughout September to coincide with World Alzheimer’s Month, focuses on how personally meaningful music can be a lifeline if you are affected by dementia.
Sally explains: “Sometimes the effect...honestly, it was like switching on a light. In time I came to understand that this was more than just a lucky effect on one person , that music could help others to shine through too.
“That’s why I founded Playlist for Life - so that the songs that have meant something to your loved ones can become the key that unlocks their individuality and helps keep them connected to the family who care so much for them.”
READ MORE: Music and dementia charity offers free training to students
Playlist for Life’s work is based on more than two decades of research showing that ‘personal music’ – the specific tunes attached to someone’s emotions that can spark memories – can help those living with dementia by alleviating stress, managing symptoms and strengthening relationships with family members and carers.
In September 2019, the World Health Organisation undertook a major study investigating the evidence for the health benefits of the arts. A section on dementia found evidence it helped reduce anxiety and depression; supported cognition, speech and memory; reduced the need for antipsychotic drugs, and led to fewer and shorter stays in hospital.
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here