Tony Christie, the legendary singer and performer of the classic hit “(Is This the Way to) Amarillo”, was diagnosed with dementia in early 2022.

This World Alzheimer’s Month, we had the privilege of sitting down with Tony his granddaughter Deià for an honest conversation about living with dementia.

Music continues to be a powerful source of connection, comfort, and joy for their family. Deià even made a personalised playlist to help jog her granddad’s memory. They often play it during Sunday lunch – sparking stories, laughter, and meaningful moments together.

Click on the video to hear Tony Christie, his granddaughter Deià chat to our music therapist Evie.

Music can be a powerful tool if you’re living with dementia, or if you’re supporting someone who is. Music can help unlock memories and keep hold of your personal identity. Making music together with others can build connections as well as being a pleasurable activity.

That’s why we’ve produced some resources for you to support your wellbeing, or to support the wellbeing of a loved one who is living with dementia.

To get access to all of our top tips from music therapists simply click the button below to sign up, and we’ll email the pack to you.

Nearly one million people in the UK, just like Val, are living with dementia. This number is set to soar to 1.4 million by 2040. This sharp rise puts immense pressure on an already stretched healthcare system, with the cost of dementia care predicted to more than double from £42 billion to £90 billion by 2040.

While there’s still no cure, music therapy offers something truly powerful: connection, comfort, and hope. Although she’d never played an instrument, music has become a vital part of daily life for Val, who is living with vascular dementia. Her daughter finds her tapping out her favourite tunes at the kitchen table long after sessions end. These moments show how deeply music stays with her, offering comfort, connection and moments of pure joy between each music therapy session.

With over 60 years of practice and research, we know that we’re the ones who can help make a difference through music therapy in dementia care. But we can’t do this alone. Make a donation today and provide a lifeline for people living with dementia, their loved ones, and those that care for them.