A tune up for your memory at Malmesbury Singing for Brain service (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

A tune up for your memory at Malmesbury Singing for Brain service

12:00am Monday 17th September 2012 in News

The Alzheimer’s Society is opening a new Singing for the Brain service for people with dementia and their carers in Malmesbury, starting on September 24 at the town hall and running fortnightly from 1.30pm-3pm. The free service is designed to be a fun, stimulating and social activity for people in early to moderate stages of dementia and their carers. Sessions are led by a trained Singing for the Brain leader. They provide an opportunity for people with dementia and their carers to meet regularly in an informal and enjoyable environment and refreshments are provided. Sessions involve a wide variety of music and include familiar favourites as well as simple songs that may enable harmonies or rounds. Participants are able to join in as fully as they wish and lyrics and percussion instruments are made available. The Alzheimer’s Society says that people with dementia who have language and communication difficulties may find that well-known songs can evoke verbal and emotional memories.

“New songs can help to challenge and extend skills,” said a spokesman.

“Music helps to create environments in which people with dementia can express positive feelings and emotions.”

For further information or to book a place, call the society’s Chippenham office on (01249) 443469 or email nwilts@alzheimers.org.uk