Music, Memory & AI: A Breakthrough in Dementia Care on World Alzheimer’s Day
Playlist Maker users David and Huguette
At Music for My Mind, we believe that music has the power to reconnect people with their memories, their loved ones, and themselves. Our mission is to support families affected by dementia through personalised music playlists that spark joy, calm, and connection – especially when words begin to fade.
This World Alzheimer’s Day, we’re proud to announce a major milestone in our journey: a ground-breaking collaboration with Cambridge Consultants that explores how human-centred AI can revolutionise dementia care. And with this year’s theme – “Never too early, never too late” – the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
Create a playlist for someone you love
Human-centred AI meets music therapy
In partnership with Cambridge Consultants, we’ve developed a prototype that uses facial expression analysis to detect emotional responses to music. This means we can begin to understand which songs truly resonate with people living with dementia – even when verbal communication is limited.
As Monty Myant, Senior Physicist at Cambridge Consultants, explains:
“We’ve shown how AI can be used to interpret facial expressions and identify emotional responses to music, helping to create personalised playlists for people living with dementia.”
Playlist Maker users Margaret and Husband Phillip
The technology is designed to be intuitive, responsive, and deeply empathetic. It doesn’t just track reactions – it interprets them in real time, helping carers and families tailor music experiences that feel personal and emotionally meaningful.
This is a huge leap forward in making music in dementia care more accessible and effective. It’s not about replacing human care – it’s about enhancing it with tools that understand emotion, connection, and nuance.
Why this matters for dementia care
For families navigating the challenges of dementia, finding ways to connect can feel overwhelming. Music offers a bridge – a way to reach loved ones when other forms of communication falter.
This project shows that AI in dementia care doesn’t have to be clinical or impersonal. When designed with compassion, it can support emotional wellbeing, reduce agitation, and bring moments of joy to people who need it most.
As Professor Keith McAdam, Founder and Chair of Music for My Mind, shared:
“This collaboration has demonstrated the potential of AI to enhance the emotional impact of music for people living with dementia. It’s a powerful step forward in personalised care.”
At Music for My Mind, we believe this isn’t just a tech breakthrough – it’s a glimpse into the future of human-centred dementia support. It proves that innovation can be grounded in empathy, and that meaningful care can evolve without losing its heart.
Announced on World Alzheimer’s Day 2025
We’re especially proud to share this news on World Alzheimer’s Day, a global moment to raise awareness and drive change. This year’s theme – “Never too early, never too late” – reminds us that it’s never too late to innovate, and never too early to start building tools that support families.
Our collaboration with Cambridge Consultants is a testament to that belief. It’s a bold step toward a future where AI tools for dementia are designed not just to manage symptoms, but to nurture connection.
Try the Playlist Maker Today
While this new technology is still in development, our existing Playlist Maker is already helping families create personalised music experiences that improve the well-being of loved ones with dementia or memory loss.
It’s free, easy to use, and built on the same principle: that music can unlock memories, reduce anxiety, and bring people closer.
Create your playlist today and see the difference it makes.
