World Alzheimer’s Day

Today is World Alzheimer's Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and challenging the stigma surrounding Alzheimer's disease. To mark the occasion, we are honoured to share the inspiring experience of one of our alumni, Sophie Garner, who regularly works with people affected by Alzheimer's. Sophie was part of the very first cohort of students at Voice Study Centre, and it’s been an absolute joy to follow her journey.

Throughout her career, Sophie has become aware of the powerful connection between singing and Alzheimer’s. Having witnessed firsthand the impact that singing can have on people living with the disease, Sophie’s experiences highlight the importance of finding new ways to support and uplift those affected.

Reflecting on her time working with people with Alzheimer’s, Sophie shared a special moment that captures the essence of her work:

"I love this photo of me singing and dancing with this gentleman. Like most people working in education and care environments, I'm often with vulnerable children and adults. Trying to capture videos and images of my work in action is obviously very difficult for many reasons. So having this photo brings me great joy. This gentleman was a member of my specialist music group in a dementia care unit.

It was my very first visit and the staff told me that it was very unlikely that he would join in the session. When someone tells me this, it's red rag to a bull. I'm then determined to discover if that's really true, because most of the time it's not. It just takes the right person with the right skills to make a connection.”

Through singing, Sophie has communicated with individuals who might otherwise be difficult to reach. Her work illustrates the significance of music for those living with Alzheimer's. She continued:

"Watching the clients I work with have a burst of energy when we sing is so beautiful to watch. Dancing is an added addition. The power of hearing a song they know then singing it word for word is a joy to experience.”

Sophie believes that for many, music plays a vital role in both the beginning and end of our lives:

"Hearing is the first sense of a foetus to grow in the womb and last thing to go when we die. It has a huge impact at both ends of our lives. I sang to my Nan just hours before she died and I was one of the most emotional days of my life but also the most joyous knowing I had shared that moment with her.”

This World Alzheimer's Day, we celebrate the positive impact that singing can have on the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer’s Society runs Singing for the Brain groups, using music to help those living with dementia connect and engage. To learn more or find out how to get involved, visit their Singing for the Brain page.

We’d love to hear your stories about how you’ve used music and singing to connect with those who need it most. Get in touch.