Emotional Memory: The Power of Familiar Music for People Living With Dementia

These are the moments that stay with me.

One of the greatest privileges of being a care home singer and entertainer is witnessing the quiet moments that happen when familiar music fills a room.

Over the years, I've performed in many different care homes. Sometimes I know the residents well, other times I'm visiting for the very first time. Yet one thing never changes. There always seems to be a moment when something remarkable happens.

It isn’t always the resident’s reaction that catches my attention first, it’s the expression on a member of staff’s face or a relative sitting quietly beside them. Then someone says “I can’t believe they’ve sung every word.” This is always such a beautiful moment.

Throughout the years of providing live music for care homes, I have seen how familiar songs can bring comfort, connection and moments of joy to residents, friends, family and staff. A favourite song may encourage someone to sing along, tap their feet, smile or become more engaged with the people around them. But how can someone who struggles to remember everyday things still know every word to a song?

I believe this is a form of emotional memory. Familiar music seems to reconnect people with feelings, emotions and the moments that have remained deep within them. I don't know how it works. I only know that I have witnessed it happening time and time again and it is always magical. That's why I believe that dementia-friendly live music can be such a valuable part of care home life, creating moments of warmth, participation and connection for residents, families, friends and staff.