NHS Fife is working in partnership with Playlist for Life and Glasgow Caledonian University researching how music can help patients with dementia in healthcare settings.
Playlist for Life is a charity, started by broadcaster Sally Magnussen. It encourages families and caregivers of dementia patients to create a playlist of uniquely meaningful music on an iPod, which they can enjoy at home or in residential care.
It is effective both at an early stage of the condition and later on.
Helen Skinner, Alzheimer Scotland Nurse Consultant said, “We are delighted and excited to work with Playlist for Life and Glasgow Caledonian University.
“There is mounting evidence to suggest that people with dementia may be able to improve their mood, awareness, ability to understand and think, and their sense of identity and independence by accessing the music which triggers experiences or memories specific to their past.” The project has started in Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline, and then will go on to include the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy. iPods and the associated equipment have already been purchased, thanks to generous donations from Friends of Queen Margaret Hospital and ‘Healthy Harmonies’ the NHS Fife Staff Choir.
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