Music for Dementia is an innovative program proving that music can help dementia patients and dramatically improve their quality of life. Extensive research has shown that the portion of the brain that contains music memories is the last to be affected in dementia sufferers. As a result, music can be used to engage with patients, where other means are not effective. In some cases, music has been successfully used as an intervention in place of medication.
Recently, the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West supplied more than 40 headsets to Boandik Lodge and Resthaven for the use of clients suffering with dementia. The headsets are loaded with music that has been specially selected for each client. The music is often chosen by family members, who can identify music that relates to the patient’s earlier experiences and memories.
“Extensive research has shown that the portion of the brain that contains music memories is the last to be affected in dementia sufferers. As a result, music can be used to engage with patients, where other means are not effective.”
The headsets also have FM radio and are Bluetooth capable. The Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West is investigating opportunities for accessing additional music resources through Mount Gambier radio station 5GTRFM.
The added benefit of being non-intrusive to others in a group setting is very positive. Dance classes can also be conducted, with each client dancing to ‘the beat of a different drum’. For these reasons, the project has been replicated around Australia, and numerous organisations around the world have introduced music programs to help dementia patients.
The original headset project was conducted by the Rotary Club of Geraldton – Greenough, WA, under President Geoff Wood. The project has been introduced by other clubs around Australia, including the Rotaract Club of Canberra, who were featured in an RDU editorial in September 2021.
The project has now partnered with Jaycar to purchase the headsets and the micro SD cards. In Mount Gambier, Chris Ind from Anvil Electronics, who is the authorised Jaycar agent, has been very helpful with supplying the necessary equipment.
The funding for the headsets came from the club’s community fundraising, which was matched by a Rotary Foundation district grant.