Songs and dances will spark happy memories

“HE came to life in a way we hadn’t seen for some time.”

The minister of Springburn Parish Church in Glasgow is describing the profound impact of music on a dying man he was visiting in the throes of advanced dementia.

“He couldn’t talk or really acknowledge my presence.” says Reverend Brian Casey. “In a moment of inspiration, I got my phone out and remembered his family telling me that he was a Kenny Rodgers fan.

“It so happens that I have an extensive collection of Kenny Rodgers on my phone so I played the Gambler, his party piece. He came to life in a way we hadn’t seen for some time and started tapping his feet in time.

“It brought a tear to my eye and thanks to working with those living with dementia, I had found a unique method of communication.”

The poignant experience came years after the minister helped launch the Musical Memories project in the church hall alongside Brian Smith.

Every Monday from 2pm, a group of around 40-50 people suffering from dementia and their families gather to sing traditional Scottish songs that hopefully stimulate happy memories.

The project was praised by cross-party MSPs at the Scottish Parliament for “bringing happiness to those living with dementia.”

“Musical Memories is definitely one of our big success stories as a church,” says Reverend Casey.

“One of the memory to go music.

“We also now see family, rather than carers, coming along too as the effect of the singing and dancing on the sufferers is tremendous.

“They go from being down to being happy and singing along. It’s almost as though some of their spark has returned and the family want to be a part of that joyous event.

“The group shows that the Church still very much has a place in the community.

“We are also committed to making this free at the point of need. Long may it last.

“In fact, my hokey cokey dancing has improved immensely.” last pieces of is the one for