An Evaluation of a Singing for the Brain Pilot With People With a Learning Disability and Memory Problems or a Dementia

Journal

Dementia (London)

Year

2017

Issue

3

First Page

360

Last Page

374

Abstract

This paper presents the findings from a pilot project introducing Singing for the Brain into care centres with people with a learning disability and a form of dementia or memory problem. Through participant observations, patient and staff feedback, there was strong support for the use of Singing for the Brain with this client group, with participants reporting high levels of enjoyment and engagement in the sessions. The potential for these sessions to support communication, memory, social engagement and choice was reported by staff and participants. Whilst anecdotal reports also suggested the sessions had a positive impact on elevating mood over a sustained period of time. The pilot sessions are discussed in reference to the regular sessions run for people with dementia and comparisons drawn across the two approaches. Further evidence is required to understand the potential impact on participant's well-being from attending these sessions.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Alzheimer's and Related Dementias; Cognitive Abilities; Developmental Disabilities; Elderly; Engagement Level; Memory; Mood; Patient Satisfaction; Positive Verbalizations; Recreative Music Methods; Singing a Song; Neurodegenerative Disorders

Indexed Terms

Elderly; Dementia; Learning Disabilities; Memory Disorders; Pilot Projects; Singing; Singing for the Brain; dementia; learning disability; memory

Study Type

Case Study; Qualitative Methods

Disciplines

Geriatrics

PubMed ID

26160277

Document Type

Article

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