More music can ease dementia

MUSIC and dance therapy should be prescribed to more dementia patients to stop them being ‘over-medicalised’, the Health Secretary has said.

Despite evidence that music can ease symptoms and promote calm, Matt Hancock said such therapies have yet to be widely adopted across England.

Mr Hancock, who suggested doctors are too quick to ‘dish out pills’, said local areas should consider prescribing personal playlists or dancing for sufferers.

Music therapy does not slow dementia, but it is playing an increasing role in helping people to cope with the emotional and cognitive effects of the disease. It is recommended that it is used in addition to, and not instead of, conventional medicine.