Using music at home with someone living with dementia

Why familiar music matters

The music we loved when we were young often stays with us. Researchers call this the reminiscence bump: people tend to remember more from their teens and early adult years than from other times of life.

The UK charity Playlist for Life suggests starting with songs from about age 10 to 30. A 2020 study found that music memories peak around the early teenage years.

Building a personal playlist

Talk with the person, and with family, about the list below. The playlist builder suggests songs from when they were young, from their birth year.

• songs from their teens and twenties
• music from weddings, dances, church or family parties
• songs a parent sang to them, or music their children played
• music from their culture, language or faith
• favourite singers, bands, musicals or even a footy club song

Try songs one at a time

Leave out any song linked to sad or painful memories. Play a song and watch. A smile, tapping or singing along is a good sign, so add it to the list. If there is no response, move on. Your playlist can keep growing over months.

When and how to use it

Some ideas that families find helpful:

• choose a calm time when you can sit together
• try a favourite song before a task that can be stressful, such as a shower
• play music during visits, so you have something to share
• check the volume every time, and check hearing aids too
• if you use headphones, stay with the person, as they may not be able to tell you it is too loud or that they want to stop
• about half an hour is plenty, and avoid leaving music on all day, because quiet time matters too

Watch for distress

Stop the music if the person seems upset or agitated, and note the song so you do not play it again. Tears are not always a bad sign. If they do not seem distressed, stay close, hold their hand if they like, and let the moment pass.

Singing and moving together

Singing together is a lovely way to connect. The words do not need to be right. You can move to music sitting down, too. Clap, tap your feet, sway, or gently move your arms. Keep movements small and comfortable, and stop if there is any pain or dizziness.

What the research says

A 2025 Cochrane review looked at 30 trials with 1,720 people living with dementia. It found that music-based therapy probably improves depressive symptoms a little. It probably makes little or no difference to agitation or aggression. The review found no clear signs that benefits last once the sessions stop.

So music is worth trying for enjoyment and connection, but it is not a treatment for dementia.

Ideas and inspiration

Playlist for Life has free tips and a playlist maker. Dementia Australia also has music activity tips in English and ten other languages.

Group music and movement classes are one more option, if the person enjoys being with others.