Reconnect with Loved Ones: The Ultimate Playlist for Dementia Patients

According to the NHS, memories of music people enjoyed between the ages of 10 - 30 are more enduring than other years. Things we fall in love with during these ages are likely to stick with us for the rest of our lives.

With an estimated 900,000 people in the UK currently living with dementia, experts at Lottie analyzed the musical attributes of 600 different songs to create a playlist which would be beneficial for anyone experiencing symptoms of dementia. 

Lottie was keen to create nostalgic playlists to trigger positive feelings, prompt reminiscing of happier times, and help reconnect those suffering from dementia with loved ones, based on a variety of different song attributes. Attributes included danceability, loudness, positivity and tempo to determine each song’s final score and subsequent place on the playlist. 

The scoring of each song was tailored depending on the audio attributes that would be appropriate for those with dementia. For example, songs with a higher value for danceability, energy, and positivity achieved a higher score, whereas those with a higher loudness value were given a lower score. 

The research aimed to create multiple playlists that were centered around the general years that people were born, so there is a different set of songs analyzed for each decade.

Dementia playlist for those aged 60 - 69 

The research found that the number one song for those aged between 60 - 69 is, ‘Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough’ by Michael Jackson (7.90/10). Originally released in 1979, its upbeat nature (scoring 9.54/10 for danceability) may remind those living with dementia  of happy memories , such as their first kiss, teenage years, family parties and loved ones. 

Following closely behind in second position is ‘Blue Monday’ by New Order, achieving an overall score of 7.85/10. This electronic track ranks second due to its repetitive nature which has the potential to evoke emotion, and with it memories. 

Ranking in third position is ‘Super Freak’ by Rick James (7.58/10). It has been found that stimulating music can inspire dance and movement for those living with dementia, encouraging physical exercise and excitement for dementia patients. Released in 1981, this punk-funk hit cemented Rick James as the king of funk ‘n’ roll. 

Dementia playlist for those aged 70 - 79 

‘Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough’ by Michael Jackson (7.98/10), ranks number one for the second time, for those with dementia aged 70-79. This track was popular in the charts for both of these age groups, therefore has the potential to spark memories among a vast age range. 

In second place is ‘In The Summertime’ by Mungo Jerry. Released in 1970, this track scored an overall score of 7.58/10. Within weeks of its release, this record became a global hit and transformed Ray Dorset (known as Mungo Jerry) into an international star. Such an upbeat tune may have the potential to evoke happy summer memories of the past. 

In third position is ‘Le Freak’ by CHIC. Scoring a high danceability rating of 9.92/10 and a positivity rating of 8.04/10, it’s no surprise that this disco sensation scores a final score of 7.47/10. In joint third position is ‘Play That Funky Music’ by Wild Cherry (7.47/10). It can be useful to share images with loved ones whilst listening to such tracks to try to reminisce and share happy memories. 

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Dementia playlist for those aged 80 - 89

The study found that ‘The Battle Of New Orleans’ by Johnny Horton (8.68/10) is the most appropriate song to ignite memories for those living with dementia among those aged 80 - 89. You can try to engage and connect with a loved one living with dementia by holding their hand or tapping to the rhythm whilst listening to this hopeful track. 

In second position is another popular country track, ‘Summertime Blues’ by Eddie Cochran (7.99/10). This soothing country music song has the capability to evoke positive memories and boost brain function. 

Following closely behind in third is, ‘Johnny B. Goode’ by Chuck Berry (7.61/10). Due to its popularity, this upbeat rock classic may have the potential to trigger pleasurable responses from those living with dementia, such as smiling or dancing, even when they may struggle to communicate their needs or express their emotions…

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Upbeat songs have been proven to encourage physical exercise and act as a prompt for reminiscing happier times, whereas calmer songs have been proven to reduce stress among those living with dementia. 

Will Donnelly, Care expert and Co-Founder, at Lottie offered more advise about how you can use music to help a loved one living with dementia:

“There’s lots of health and wellbeing benefits to music - especially for those living with dementia. Listening and engaging with music can help someone living with dementia to communicate, stay connected to others, and spark memories of joy and happiness.

Previous research has found that music can help reduce anxiety, maintain speech and express their emotions, and enhance the overall wellbeing of someone living with dementia. Many care homes across the country provide music therapy - organized activities that involve music that both care home residents and carers enjoy.

The benefits of music can be seen both at home and in care settings. From listening to the radio with your loved one, enjoying their favorite songs together or even supporting your loved one to joining a social choir or singing group - there’s lots of ways you can use music to support your loved one living with dementia.”

Note, however, that the purpose of this study was an attempt to create playlists that could help a range of people. Songs that hold personal/significant value to an individual will be more effective. This attempts to act only as a general guide.