It was just beautiful," he explained. "It's nice to have a busy life like that, every now and then, "she said. 5:06 PM. Singing for the Brain™ Singing for the Brain (SftB) was established by The Alzheimer’s Society in 2003. "It's great seeing your face in all those newspapers.They are trying to get the song to number one, with all of the proceeds going to Alzheimer's Society and Dementia UK. Dementia impairs a patient's abilities gradually and ruthlessly. The songs that are sung at the session provide topics on which to reminisce.Everybody has just got so much pleasure on their faces, and that’s uplifting in itself, when you see other people really enjoying something. This study explored the impact of Singing for the Brain™, an intervention based on group singing activities developed by The Alzheimer’s Society for people with dementia and their carers. This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with people with dementia and their carers.
(Robert, Carer)Although participant numbers were relatively low, this is acceptable in qualitative research which focuses on in-depth understanding from a homogenous group selected for their knowledge and experience of a particular phenomenon. "I have some favourite song words and I like to go into a quiet room and just sing," Ms Mackie explained.Ms Mackie's daughter Mairi Hunter said she and her family were overwhelmed but delighted by the response.Having watched his grandfather live with Alzheimer's, he wanted to do his best to raise money and let Ms Mackie have some fun.She said: "It has brought her back to life. (Gary, PWD)The point is that I think that music, irrespective of what you may be suffering from, is uplifting for just everybody really. Its potential cost effectiveness should therefore be explored in detail in future studies.SftB supports social inclusiveness, as it enables all participants to get involved, regardless of the stage of dementia.To go to something you enjoy you overcome what is wrong with you. "So I walked back and I thought, 'Is that Margaret?' (Roger, Carer)I see people there that are very, very ‘far gone’, and yet I see them participating, which I think is wonderful. People cry when they hear the song and she'll say 'No don't cry, I want you to be happy'". As well as enjoying the sessions, participants found that attending Singing for the Brain™ helped in accepting and coping with dementia.People attending the sessions felt that SftB allowed them to form bonds with people to whom they could relate thus nurturing supportive networks.The positive response to SftB from people with dementia and carers suggests that the programme has potential to be offered to a wider range of people. (Mark, PWD)SftB provides a mutual, shared, enjoyable experience for the person with dementia and their carer.The authors would to thank all participants for their time, the Alzheimer’s Society (East Midlands) and Angela Warren, the musician facilitating SftB sessions. (Ellen, Carer)This is one of the great sadnesses and I get quite emotional about this, there is so much we can’t share anymore and this, I should say that this, the Singing for the Brain is one thing that has benefitted me because it’s one thing that we can do together for an hour or two and get equal pleasure from and equal meaning. Local Research Ethics approval was not required, as participants were recruited via a non-clinical community setting. (Linda, Carer)I have appreciated that the whole concept of Singing for the Brain … Wherever you go and whatever group of people you’re in singing seems to break down barriers and to open up sort of, not only companionship, but a sense of belonging, and that’s great. The following six themes were identified from the data:Well like I said when I turn round and see you (PWD) smiling as you’re singing and there’s definitely, I mean it’s pure pleasure for me but it’s nice for us to look at each other while we’re singing … it’s like we understand what we’re both experiencing you know, so you don’t need to say it, it’s just there … and that’s lovely isn’t it, really lovely.