title: An evaluation of a Singing for the Brain pilot with people with a learning disability and memory problems or a dementia.
abstract: This paper presents the findings from a pilot project introducing Singing for the Brain into care centres with people with a learning disability and a form of dementia or memory problem. Through participant observations, patient and staff feedback, there was strong support for the use of Singing for the Brain with this client group, with participants reporting high levels of enjoyment and engagement in the sessions. The potential for these sessions to support communication, memory, social engagement and choice was reported by staff and participants. Whilst anecdotal reports also suggested the sessions had a positive impact on elevating mood over a sustained period of time. The pilot sessions are discussed in reference to the regular sessions run for people with dementia and comparisons drawn across the two approaches. Further evidence is required to understand the potential impact on participant's well-being from attending these sessions.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Wellbeing, The University of Northampton, UK.
authors.forename: Alison R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Wellbeing, The University of Northampton, UK.
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Parkes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003704:Dementia / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009147:Music Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D063346:Singing; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Singing for the Brain; dementia; learning disability; memory; music