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Our Dementia Choir Sings Again with Vicky McClure on BBC One – how music can help people with dementia

Back in 2019, Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador Vicky McClure started her search for choir members, bringing together specialists from the fields of medicine, music therapy, and performance.

Now the choir is back, this time performing to an even bigger audience. They’ll be showcasing the power of music by recording a single at the iconic Abbey Road Studios and taking their message to 20,000 at a music festival, with the help of pop star Tom Grennan.

The series not only highlights the importance of music therapy, but raises awareness of the challenges facing people affected by dementia today. Right now, too many people aren’t getting the support they need, when they need it, which is having a direct and negative impact on the health and quality of life of people affected by dementia.

The power of music for people with dementia 

Many people have a special connection to music, and this can be particularly powerful for people with dementia. Evidence suggests music can improve someone's mood, behaviour and wellbeing.

Listening to favourite songs can bring back old memories and feelings. Many people with dementia are still able to enjoy music and to sing even when they start to lose their language abilities. 

While the search for a cure continues, we all must work together to support people affected by dementia today so they can live meaningful lives. Music is a wonderful way to do this.

Research shows that musical memory is often retained when other memories are lost; music can help people to recall memories due to the nature of preserved memory for song and music in the brain.

'Being part of this experience and as an Alzheimer’s Society ambassador, I have seen how singing can help people with dementia communicate, improve their mood and leave them feeling good about themselves.'
- Vicky McClure 

There are lots of ways for people with dementia to enjoy the power of music. For example, you can buy special radios and music players designed for people who have dementia. Playing music and singing can stimulate conversation and reminiscence for a person affected by dementia.

Singing for the Brain groups

At Alzheimer’s Society we run Singing for the Brain groups up and down the country. They are a great way for people with dementia and their carers to enjoy music and socialise with other people. Singing for the Brain groups celebrate the joy of singing together, like the Dementia Choir in Vicky’s programme.

If you’d like to find a Singing for the Brain group near you, use our dementia directory to see your local groups, as well as other activities and services near you.

This article was first published in May 2019 and updated in October 2022.