Alzheimer’s Society work with BBC to reveal power of ‘Singing for the Brain’

The BBC worked closely with members of Alzheimer's Society's Singing for the Brain groups in Bristol to show the difficulties faced by a number of couples at different stages in their dementia journey.

All the couples featured in the programme receive support and inspiration from their participation in Singing for the Brain groups. Singing for the Brain is a service run by Alzheimer's Society for people with dementia and their carers that uses singing to bring people together in a friendly and stimulating social environment. There are currently more than 30 groups that meet regularly, led by a singing leader and supported by Alzheimer's Society staff and volunteers.

 Group singing provides a novel way for people with dementia, along with their carers, to express themselves - a means of accessing memories and an opportunity to interact creatively with others. Even when many memories are hard to retrieve, music can sometimes still be recalled and the documentary shows how uniting this can be for a person with dementia and a carer - if only for a short while.

Robert Hurst, who leads one of the Alzheimer's Society Singing for the Brain groups featured in the documentary, says,  

'This documentary was a chance to show people the role music plays in communication and in particular the impact that Singing for the Brain has on people with dementia and their carers. Leading these groups for Alzheimer's Society with our dedicated volunteers is a great privilege.

'I've seen people who can barely speak when they enter the room transformed by the music. They are able to sing and communicate within the circle with songs from the past that unlock old memories and experience the thrill of learning new vocal routines

'It's so much more than that though; where possible these sessions become a mutual support network where people with dementia and their carers can express themselves in a friendly environment. I think that's something that really comes through in this programme. There are always lots of laughs and sometimes a few tears but it all adds up to that much needed relief from social isolation and a chance to be reunited through the words, music and emotion from the soundtrack of their lives.'

For more information about Singing for the Brain go to, alzheimers.org.uk/singingforthebrain

Notes to editors
To arrange an interview with a Singing for the Brain group leader featured in the documentary, please call 0207 423 3595 or email press@alzheimers.org.uk

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them. 
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to help people live well with dementia today and for research to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
  
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk