Coinciding with World Alzheimer's Day today, keyboard maker Casio Music UK has partnered with Music For Dementia and charitable care provider MHA to launch a new research project into how music can positively impact people living with dementia.
The twelve week study will see Casio distribute 50 lighting key keyboards to staff and music therapists in care homes around the UK. Training will also be provided, with the aim of engaging people living with dementia or Alzheimer's in musical activity. Carers and music therapists will then deliver a schedule of musical activities for the participants, and record their experiences and share feedback at the end of the research project.
"We are delighted to partner with Music For Dementia and MHA, two highly respected entities on the launch of this important and meaningful research project", says Neil Evans, Head of Casio EMI. "We have seen an impressive uptake of music across the older generation in recent times, highlighting just how much of a crucial role music plays in everyday life. We're excited to see how care homes and music therapists will use their new light up keyboards to engage with residents in both group and individual settings to help light up their lives".
Grace Meadows, Campaign Director at Music For Dementia, adds: "We're confident that the participants of the project will truly benefit and enjoy playing their new light up key keyboards. World Alzheimer's Day marks an important date for those living with dementia and we're proud that we can say this is a step in the right direction for providing access to meaningful music to those who need it most".
Meanwhile, Music Therapy Lead at MHA, Ming Hung Hsu, comments: " will provide access to the tools needed for our fantastic music therapists to continue providing non-verbal means for those with dementia to help express themselves. We know just how important music is for people with dementia and we're eager to see the research findings in early 2022".