Results: The Power Of Music

A diagnosis of dementia, especially Alzheimer's, can be devastating, and families and caregivers will do anything possible to preserve their loved one's memories and faculties as long as possible. And while music has long been considered a valuable tool in this endeavour, recent studies have shown that music, more than anything else, can help those suffering from all forms of dementia. In a new documentary, the BBC One's "Our Dementia Choir", the miraculous power of music is showcased. Not only does music help with the connections to the past and present, it shows without question how music can improve sufferer's lives neurologically, socially and personally. Do you have a loved one who is suffering from any form of dementia and Alzheimer's specifically?

This documentary follows British actress Vicky McClure, who lost her grandmother to the disease in 2015. While she cared for her, she became involved with the Alzheimer's Society and she saw first-had how music and singing affected dementia patients positively. She set out to form a choir where all the participants suffer from dementia. The youngest member of the 20-strong choir is 31, the oldest 87 – what connects them is a desire to find new purpose in their lives and help science understand better how music can help reawaken dementia-affected brains. Will you seek out this documentary and watch it?

Dementia is an umbrella diagnosis. There are many different forms of dementia – so not just Alzheimer's (although it counts for about 60% of cases) or vascular dementia (which counts for about 20%), the two types most people are familiar with – and it can strike from any age. Thus the choir has quite a varied membership. The one thing they all have in common is that their condition is progressive, incurable and cruel. Dementia is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults. Some experts believe up to 100,000 people in their 30s, 40s and 50s may have it. That is why, if you suspect you or someone you know may be experiencing early signs, but you/they seem too young, it may be good to talk to a doctor. Is this something you have been concerned about?