Harnessing the Power of Personalised Music for Dementia – The Story Behind Music for my Mind

Read why Professor Keith McAdam founded Music for my Mind with a vision to improve the lives of individuals living with dementia through the transformative effects of personalised music.

As a leading researcher and advocate for change in dementia care, Professor McAdam recognised that music, when carefully tailored to the individual, has the incredible power to ignite memories, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being.

Music triggers emotions and memories that remain deeply embedded in the brain, even in the later stages of dementia. Research shows that familiar tunes can help people reconnect with their past, enhance communication, and even boost mood. By using music that resonates personally with each individual, we can tap into these profound effects and make a meaningful difference in their daily lives.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-BwdYAfqOw

Taking personalised music to scale

To make this experience accessible, Music for my Mind created a free-to-use Playlist Maker, which allows caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals to build personalised playlists for their loved ones or patients. The playlist maker automatically selects music from a vast library, based on personal preferences, memories, or even specific genres, making it easier to create a playlist that truly connects with the person with dementia and their loved ones.

The transformative effects of personalised music can include:

  • Memory recall – Music brings back memories and associations, providing a sense of identity and continuity.
  • Emotional regulation – Calming music can reduce anxiety, agitation, and even aggression.
  • Social connection – Music creates a shared experience that fosters bonding and communication, even when verbal skills are diminished.
  • Improved quality of life – Personalised music can bring moments of joy, reduce isolation, and improve mood.

The Playlist Maker is just one of the many ways Music for my Mind is helping make dementia care more personalised, meaningful, and accessible for all.

If you have a loved one with memory loss or dementia, are caring for someone with dementia or working in healthcare, check out the Playlist Maker today and start using the power of music to make a real difference.

Create a personalised playlist for someone with dementia


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Harnessing the Power of Personalised Music for Dementia – The Story Behind Music for My Mind

MFMM is delighted to accept a second grant from Dementia Research UK to support project measuring effects of personalised music on people living
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Music for my Mind accepts new grant from Dementia Research UK

MFMM is delighted to accept a second grant from Dementia Research UK to support project measuring effects of personalised music on people living
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