Four new music-focused projects have been set up in the UK for dementia patients.

Music for Dementia is a charity that supplies music to people suffering from dementia while also studying the effects that music can have on the condition.

The charity recently ran a study that found music can dramatically improve the quality of life for people suffering from the disease. Their research found that a music therapy choir helped to reduce symptoms of depression in 54% of their patients, and the quality of life score rose by 57%.

Another different study discovered that music therapy significantly improved the of speech fluidity of 20 patients, when comparing the results to a group who instead took part in a conversational session.

Continuing their work, Music for Dementia has now teamed up with the National Academy for Social Prescribing to implement musical services in some dementia care homes. Both organisations are calling for music treatment to be more widely used as part of a standard care plan.

After taking part in music therapy sessions, one gentleman diagnosed with the condition told Music for Dementia, “Music is my memories. It makes me remember the bands I saw long ago, such as Queen at Earls Court in 1982 and Bowie in Manchester. I really enjoy talking to my friends here about music and bands.”

Four projects run by Music for Dementia, have now received funding, including a £100,000 contributed by National Academy for Social Prescribing, and a further £12,000 collected from the public. This funding will help treat patients across the UK, including music therapy projects in Lowestoft, Derby, Cambridge, and Dorset.

James Sanderson is CEO of the National Academy for Social Prescribing, and he said: “We know that music is powerful and meaningful for many, whether it’s learning something new or reminiscing over an old song.”#

H/T: Mixmag