Marie’s story

Music therapy unlocks memories for Marie and allows her personality to shine

Marie lives with dementia in a care home in the North of England. Although her walking and speech have been unaffected by her condition, her cognitive abilities have declined quite significantly. She has very little short term memory, which causes her to become stressed about losing things, or to worry about “the children” and “the baby” even though her children are now adults.

However, music therapy unlocks memories for Marie. When she first arrives at her session with Debbie, she doesn’t remember that she can sing, or even that she has music therapy that day. But as soon as Debbie starts to play a familiar song, she becomes elated.

Music sparks joy in Marie. When she sings, she becomes deeply connected to the music, moving her arms and hands to the melody and sometimes even dancing in her chair. She often tells Debbie what a lovely time she’s having.

Watch below as Marie and Debbie sing ‘Anything Goes’ and play along on the keyboard together!

Marie’s warm, caring and fun personality shines through in music therapy. It helps to reduce her fears and anxieties, leaving her relaxed and content after each session. Marie’s family often go to watch her sessions and have expressed how happy they are that she has access to music therapy.

Marie’s love for music is clear, and she now even takes part in the group music therapy session that Debbie runs at the care home, something that was previously too overwhelming for her.