For every person living with dementia to have access to a playlist of personally meaningful music and be supported to use it at all stages of the dementia journey from diagnosis to end of life care.
There are currently over one million people living with dementia in the UK. One in three people born in the UK today is expected to develop dementia in their lifetime. While there is currently no cure, there is care – and music can play a vital role in dementia care planning.
Personalised music is a simple, non-clinical, low-cost intervention with a powerful impact. Research shows that personalised playlists can:
We are calling for personalised music to be embedded as part of standard care across the dementia journey. Sector leaders and policymakers can help us achieve this by:
To find out more about how to champion the power of music in dementia care and our policy work, contact Dr Mehar Shagufta at mehar@playlistforlife.org.uk.
Read about Playlist for Life’s place in Scotland’s National Dementia Strategy and events at Holyrood championing personalised music for people living with dementia
Read about our 2025 Westminster event, where we engaged with MPs to highlight the importance of personalised music in dementia care.
Read about our Government engagement and partnerships across communities and health and social care in Wales.
Read about our community and health and social care partnerships across Northern Ireland.
Research, studies and evaluations highlighting the impact of personally meaningful music on people living with dementia.
Hear from people living with dementia how playlists have helped them live well and manage symptoms of dementia.
A UK-wide annual awareness-raising campaign celebrating the power of meaningful music to boost and protect brain health that you can get involved in.
Elected representatives and sector leaders looking to support our work can:
Connect: Schedule a 20-minute briefing with us and learnabout how we’re helping families in your constituency.
Amplify our reach: Link us with local care homes,community groups, and healthcare networks.
Share resources: Display our free, evidence-based materials where constituents need them.
