Personalised music as a way of reconnecting people with dementia with their life history and sense of self
Parallel 2
17 November, 2026 3:20 – 4:30 pmNaDCAS Symposium: Dementia Care Accreditation
Dr Aggeliki Koufou
Dementia-care practitioner and Researcher
Summary
Empirical research on the relationship between music and the sense of self in people living with dementia remains limited. While most care homes provide music-based activities, their group-based nature often struggles to cater for each individual’s personal musical preferences which are shaped by socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. In contrast, songs that narrate an individual’s life story – places, people, experiences – can serve as powerful triggers of music-evoked autobiographical memories (MEAMs). In this context, a six-month pilot qualitative study was conducted across four care homes in Sussex, involving fifteen participants from diverse cultural backgrounds and with varying degrees of dementia. Musical preferences of participants were identified through conversations with the participants and with their friends and family members. One-to-one sessions were held in familiar care-home settings as part of the participants’ daily routine. These sessions included listening to short musical excerpts, discussion, and documentation of facial expressions, bodily movement and emotional responses. This material was analysed and organised into a personalised musical e-booklet for each participant, which was subsequently shared with the care homes and families in PDF format. Examples of the e-booklet content, the creation process, and the different aspects of self that emerged will be presented at the conference. Findings indicated increased relaxation and enjoyment, reduced anxiety and a deeper sense of connection with the self – all essential elements for the wellbeing of people living with dementia. This intervention is easily accessible on any digital device, is low cost and can be implemented by care staff or family members, meaningfully enhancing communication and interpersonal connection. Ultimately, these e-booklets can be used as a tool that gives people with dementia a voice, highlighting the vital role of personalised music in preserving personal and cultural identity.