Gerry, co-founder and chairperson of STAND – which is part of the Playlist for Life Community Help Point network – uses personal playlists to support communication, mood and care routines. Read on to find out more about Gerry and his passion for meaningful music.
Music has always been a big part of Gerry King’s life. Over the years he has made memories soundtracked by The Clash, The Stranglers, Depeche Mode and The Human League. Gerry has also played keyboard and sung backing vocals in bands, creating music for others to enjoy and etching even more memories into the soundtrack of his life.
And it’s this music that has helped Gerry live well with dementia since he was diagnosed aged 55. Gerry, who was accustomed to listening to music by album, has curated several playlists to support him in various ways.
Speaking about how music has helped him, Gerry said:
“Different songs can remind me of different moments, people and experiences throughout my life. Some songs energise me and make me want to dance while others help me to relax when I’m not having such a good day.
“I love my music because it reminds me of who I am. It makes me feel happy, relaxed and comfortable. It has the power to change my mood when I feel sad, stressed or tired. Depending on what playlist I am listening to, it helps me feel calmer and more positive but more importantly, it stirs my emotional feelings that my dementia constantly tries to chip away at. Music makes me smile, inside and out.
Gerry is a co-founder and chairperson for a peer support group and charity based in the region of Fife in Scotland called STAND (Striving Towards a New Day) which, alongside his collection of personal playlists has helped him gain confidence and create new friendships with other people living with dementia.
Earlier this month, Gerry spoke at one of our ‘Come Together’ conferences (link to blog post about conferences), two events which celebrated the power of music for communities across the UK. Gerry spoke about his dementia journey and shared six reasons why music helps him, from helping bring back memories, improving mood and supporting communication. Below we share this in Gerry’s own words.
Music is strongly linked to memories
Music is processed across many different areas of the brain including those areas linked to emotions and long-term memories. Even as my Alzheimer’s progresses and I struggle to remember recent events, I can still recognise songs from my past.
It can improve mood and reduce anxiety
Due to my dementia, I can and do experience periods of confusion, frustration and agitation. Listening to familiar or calming music can reduce stress and anxiety, provide comfort and reassurance, and help me to feel safe and more relaxed.
It helps communication
As my dementia progresses, my verbal communication skills are becoming more difficult which is why I have to write everything I want to say down. Music offers me another way to connect with someone else clearly by either singing along to the lyrics, tapping to the rhythm or responding emotionally to the music. This allows me to express myself without relying on speech.
It supports identity and personal history
Songs from my youth or important life moments remind me of who I am and where I come from, from my early teens right up through my 20s and 30s.
It can encourage engagement and activity
Music can motivate movement and participation in people living with a diagnosis of dementia, by encouraging them to clap or tap, to sit, dance and participate in singing sessions. All of which can stimulate the brain and can improve well-being. Me I’m definitely a tapper, a listener and sometimes a singer.
It can help with care routines
In simple terms, music reaches the parts that other areas cannot reach. Music touches emotional and memory pathways in the brain that dementia often leaves untouched for longer.
Thank you to Gerry for giving such a heartfelt talk at our conference. Gerry also shared he wrote about listening to playlists which is inspired by a few of his favourite songs. Read it here on our blog about our Come Together conference.
