'Power of music' helps dementia sufferers - as charity makes MP3 appeal
A Torbay-based scheme transforming the lives of dementia sufferers is looking for unused MP3 players. iPods or iPod shuffles.
Last updated 5th Oct 2020
They fill them with music the person knows which helps settle them - improving their quality of life.
Each MP3 is loaded with bespoke music to the sufferer and there's been cases where they start dancing or singing and remember the words to music from their past - even though they can hardly communicate the rest of the time.
Norms McNamara - who has the condition - founded the Purple Angel dementia campaign, which is behind the MP3 initiative.
Torbay ambulances also use the MP3s when transporting someone with dementia to help them feel more comfortable.
Purple Angel say they would welcome academic study into the effects of music on people with dementia. They've had potential offers by researchers but an official study is yet to be commissioned.
For more about the appeal click here