May’s story

Music therapy has given May, who is living with dementia, the opportunity to feel connected with her body and thoughts.

May, who has dementia, lives in a care home in Scotland. Dementia impacts her memory, which can lead to feelings of confusion, distress and sadness. Relying on the support of the residential care team often left her feeling frustrated by the reduction in her sense of agency.

May has a huge capacity for listening to other people and demonstrating her love for them, but she lacked the opportunity to exercise these qualities. It became clear that she also had a deep-seated appreciation of music. She was referred for music therapy in the hope that the sessions could offer her a space to enjoy a meaningful human connection, as well as providing some clarity and focus in her day. 

May often spoke with her music therapist, Stella, about her grandmother’s piano, memories of which seemed particularly resonant. In the initial sessions, May was apprehensive about engaging with the piano, preferring instead to play handheld percussion. But as her confidence grew, she began to play the piano and improvise vocally with Stella. Now, she can play for a full 20 minutes, an achievement that gives her a lot of satisfaction. “It’s lovely to see May recognising the value of music and discovering a new-found importance for it in her life,” says Stella.

The sessions have given a focus to May’s week, with staff reporting that her distress and frustration have greatly reduced. She looks forward to her time with Stella, who has seen her become more confident and assured, laughing and smiling more.

May is learning to use music with increased independence, to reflect on her emotions and thoughts in the moment. The opportunity for May to be really present and connected with her body and thoughts is something Stella describes as being particularly important to her. 

This importance is perhaps best summed up by May’s own lyrics, which she improvised during a music therapy session:

And what you’re doing, and what I’m doing, this is what I love, about you and myself.

May’s lyrics, improvised in a music therapy session