Yvonne Encourages Playlist for Life

One of NHS Forth Valley’s Dementia Champions, Yvonne Cairns, is encouraging families who care for a relative or friend with dementia, to create a ‘Playlist for Life’ for their loved one featuring some of their favourite music.

Research has shown that listening to music can help alleviate dementia symptoms such as anxiety and agitation, reduce the need for medication and help people reconnect with those around them. Music linked to experiences and memories can also improve mood and awareness and assist with a sense of identity and independence.

Yvonne CairnsYvonne explained: “We are already using the ‘Playlist for Life’ scheme in a number of our inpatient wards but we are aware that some people stop using it when they go home.

“As a nurse working in older people’s care I have seen first-hand the impact that music can have on patients with dementia. We have seen people who have previously been very withdrawn become animated and keen to talk about their memories.”

Further information, including tips and guidance on how to create a Playlist for Life, is available at www.playlistforlife.org.uk and you can also see a short video featuring a local patient who has benefited from the scheme on the video section of the NHS Forth Valley website www.nhsforthvalley.com/mulitmedia