Introduction – Dementia in the UK
There are currently 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK.
Dementia is one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century.
Almost two thirds of people living with dementia feel depressed or anxious. 40% feel lonely. And a third don’t feel part of their community.
There is currently no cure for the diseases that cause dementia. So, there is a vital need for other things that can help. In this course we will teach you about one thing that can do that: music.
Our vision is simple: we want everyone with dementia to have a unique, personalised playlist and everyone who loves or cares for them to know how to use it.
How music can help
Over two decades of scientific research has shown that listening to a personalised playlist can improve the lives of those living with dementia. In fact, listening to music that is personally meaningful has many psychological benefits, meaning anyone can benefit from a playlist. Personalised playlists can:
- reduce anxiety
- improve your mood
- make difficult tasks more manageable
- evoke memories that can help families and carers connect.
Playlist for Life harnesses the powerful effects of personal music to help anyone who is affected by dementia, their families and carers. Whether it’s the music from a first dance, lullabies from childhood or a theme tune from a favourite TV show, music has the ability to take us back in time and remind us of our past, giving you that flashback feeling. Sharing your songs and memories can help people living with dementia connect with family, friends and carers.
WATCH: a 4-minute introduction to Playlist for Life and the power of playlists.
In the video below, you can hear directly from the experts: people living with dementia who have benefitted from making and using personalised playlists.
The importance of Help Points
By signing up as a Playlist for Life Help Point, you are joining over 1,900 organisations and groups around the UK doing amazing work to help people living with dementia and those who care for them.
No two help points are the same, and the kind of support on offer differs from Help Point to Help Point. That’s what makes the network so unique!
Being a Help Point is amazing, and it also means that we can hand out hard copies of information and guidance to people, which they might find difficult to access online. We're just a tiny organisation, but playlists allow you to make a big impact
Linda, Generating Opportunity CIC
Activity
Think about a time you have seen the power of music in action. This can be professionally or personally. Why not share your experience with others in our closed Facebook group for Help Points?
Join the Facebook Group