By Courtesy of the Alzheimer’s Society
Vicky McClure’s gran was diagnosed with vascular dementia at the age of 75, and lived with the disease until her death in 2015. Inspired by her memory, Line of Duty star Vicky presented a moving two-part documentary – Vicky McClure: Our Dementia Choir.
Together with specialists from the fields of medicine, music therapy, and performance, Vicky formed a special choir of 20 singers who are living with dementia. And the second episode saw them coming together to give an amazing performance in front of 2,000 people in Nottingham.
Read more about the choir here
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 fellings. Many people with dementia are still able to enjoy music and to sing even when they start to lose their language abilities.
Whilst the search for a cure continues, we must all work together to support people affected by dementia today so they can live meaningful lives. Music is a wonderful way to do this.
Vicky McClure in line of Duty
“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.”
Alzheimer’s Society is a founder organisation of Music for Dementia 2020 and an adviser for BBC Music Day, both of whom aim to bring music to everyone affected by dementia. For more information about the Alzheimer’s Society CLICK HERE.