From Silence to Song: Stella's Story for World Alzheimer's Month
For World Alzheimer’s Month, we’ve invited families who took part in our care home research project to share their experiences — moments of connection, emotion, and music that left a lasting imprint. This year’s theme, “Never too early, never too late,” reminds us that even in the later stages of dementia, it’s still possible to create meaningful memories.
Gill’s and her mum, Stella, took part in our music project in a care home setting. Stella had dementia and often seemed distant and disconnected. But during one unforgettable music listening session, something magical happened. As familiar songs from Stella’s past played, Gill witnessed a transformation – her mum lit up, sang along, and for a moment, they connected in a way they hadn’t for years.
“She was animated, smiling, and singing. It was like having her back.”
Stella has sadly passed away since taking part in the project, but her legacy lives on in the memories created that day – memories Gill treasures deeply. It wasn’t too late for Stella to experience joy, and it wasn’t too late for Gill to feel seen and connected as a daughter.
Gill’s Interview
What made you want to take part in the Music for My Mind care home project?
Gill: The reason I wanted to take part in this amazing project is because there was always so much music and sing alongs in my family. Mum knew all the words to so many songs from the musicals of the 50’s.
What part did music play in your mum’s life before memory loss – how important has it been to them?
Gill: Mum just loved to sing to all her favourite songs, we used to go to karaoke together.
What changes did you notice in your mum after she started listening to her personalised playlist?
Gill: On the actual day of the music listening session it was the first time in a few years that mum looked at me and tried to communicate. It was when the song that was playing was a family favourite – one we would sing at a Sunday lunch.
How did using Stella’s personalised playlist affect your relationship or interactions with your mum?
Gill: I think the main benefit for mum was when the playlist was played for mum in her room, she enjoyed listening to it in her world. The carers did comment that mum did attempt to sing along at times and there was a slight improvement in her ability to communicate with them.
If you could describe the impact of the playlist maker in one word or phrase, what would it be?
“Breaking through the dementia barrier.”
What impact did the music listening sessions have on you personally, as a loved one?
Gill: It was the most rewarding and emotional session, and I am thankful that I have that memory.
Would you recommend the playlist maker to other families caring for someone with dementia? Why?
Gill: 100% yes!! Mum had her playlist playing all the time in her room and I could see from her facial expressions that her music was taking her to a good place in her mind. It was a comfort to me that she had her music playing for her in the last of her days and hours to soothe her.
“Mum passed away on 22nd May listening to her beloved songs.”
It’s Never Too Early - or Too Late - to Help Your Loved One
Whether your loved one is newly diagnosed or in advanced stages of dementia, music can help. A personalised playlist – built from songs they loved in their youth – can unlock memories, reduce depression anxiety, and create moments of joy. To create one, check out our Playlist Maker to get started.
Because it’s never too early – and never too late – to reconnect through music.
