Unlocking Memories — The power of music and movement
(Credit Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels)
Dementia, an increasing concern within British and Western society, is shamefully something that prior to working in the third sector within Greater Manchester I knew little about. Dementia isn’t something that personally runs in my family and I guess you could call it ignorance to previously knowing so little about Britain’s biggest killer (Office for National Statistics (ONS) in 2018).
My first encounter with a person who had dementia was at an older persons coffee morning where I had gone to do some promotion on an exercise programme I manage, I was moving round tables when I came into contact with someone who I will refer to as Tom. Tom looked like your average 60 year old, he was well dressed and was having conversations with his peers, as I approached Tom’s table I pulled up a chair when I heard, “Jason, is that you?” coming from across the other side. This was quicky followed by Tom’s wife telling me that Tom had dementia and that Jason was their son. I think back to that moment and how awkward I felt, not knowing what to say and trying my best to laugh the situation off. When I said my bit I left that table and felt a massive sense of disappointment; I pride myself on my verbal communication skills and how I’m able to adapt to speaking to different people, yet at that moment in time nothing came out.
When I left that venue I instantly wanted to know more about dementia and how it effects people, I approached my manager regarding it and was later put on a dementia awareness course. It was also at this time I recognised that I needed to broaden my knowledge on Public Health and explored my options where I eventually decided to enrol on the MPH at The University of Manchester.
Since my first encounter with an individual with dementia, I have had lots of contact with other people who have a diagnosis. I’ve learnt to speak to someone with dementia the same as I would any other person and it gives me great satisfaction when you see the fire light in their eyes when they recall on a specific memory. What I have drawn particular interest to, is the link between movement and music. I have been to a number of dementia groups now and a common factor I have noticed is how individuals will sing along to songs word-for-word and be dancing along. My role in Greater Manchester is based around increasing levels of physical activity within the Adult population, and over recent years more specifically those 60+. What has amazed me most during my time working with this cohort of the population is that even though Tom has lost the ability to tie his own shoelaces he was still able to two step and hum along to ‘I’ve got you under my skin’ by Frank Sinatra.
My experiences have really made me think about how, in the Leisure industry, we can support those with a diagnosis and their families, and how can we help facilitate sessions so that families get that chance to actively reconnect with their loved ones again. I’m not saying this is a miracle cure but for some families, such as Tom’s, it’s an opportunity to reconnect through the power of music and movement, this motivates me to continue learning and provide more opportunities.
