Music sessions that help combat the affects of Alzheimer's Disease will be in the spotlight at a national conference in Liverpool.
Dementia sufferers who meet at church hall in Toxteth are to entertain delegates at the 6th annual UK Dementia Congress to demonstrate how singing can unlock lost memories.
Members of the Alzheimer's Society's "Singing for the Brain" group will take to the stage at the BT Convention Centre on 2nd November alongside performers from Glyndeboure Opera.
The convention will showcase the session’s activities and approach to helping sufferers.
Rosy Rea Smith, 30, a volunteer leader at the fortnightly “Singing for the Brain” sessions held at St Bede's Church, in Hartington Road Toxteth, will also give an insight into her experiences.
Around 35 people take part in the 2-hour fortnightly sessions which is part of a growing nationwide network.
Members range from people aged as young as 50 to those who are in the later stages of the illness.
Sufferers and careers both have the chance to take part in the singing activities provided by the group.
A variety of songs, such as folk music and 60’s pop, are used to help unlock parts of speech that some people can no longer produce through everyday use.
Rosy said: “The difference singing makes is huge, we have people coming from some distance to take part.
“One woman attending with her husband said it was the only time he smiled. He has lost language skills but finds the words to sing. It unlocks memories.
“Sometimes a person will sing a single line of a song, and then everyone in the group will join and sing the entire song. It’s amazing.
“A lot of very strong friendships develop and we have a really good laugh. Being together and singing makes everyone feel good.”
“People tell us how much they look forward to coming to sing and how it is often the highlight of the week.
“When a group sang the Anniversary Waltz one man invited his wife to dance. It was the first time he’d asked her since he had become ill. Now it’s a favourite.”
Glyndebourne, in Sussex, has pioneered work that shows how singing helps dementia victims become more calm, attentive and expressive while combatting fatigue and depression.
The opera company's project manager Freya Wynn-Jones said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to present the work we have been doing alongside the Alzheimer’s Society.
“It’s a great opportunity to share and talk about the way we are using opera to work with people living with dementia and their carers.
"Sessions are full of laughter and great friendships. They offer support to each other that for many was missing in their lives until that point."
Emily Gerrard, of the Alzheimer Society session added: “Music awakens memories so it’s great to work with Glyndebourne Opera.
“Music brings the mind alive – many with dementia may feel depressed and isolated at times but singing and taking part in something active is a real mood lifter.
“Even when people have lost communications skills and have memory problems they can often remember songs and join in,
“It’s not just the words – it’s the reminiscence and shared emotional memories that songs can trigger for both people with dementia and their carers.
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