Somewhere in a care home in Shanghai, a resident who has grown quiet begins to hum along to a song from her youth. In a Canadian long-term care home, a woman who no longer recognizes her own daughter still knows every word of the hymn they sing together at her bedside. In Brazil, a program built around belonging is helping people living with dementia feel connected again. These aren't isolated moments. They're part of a growing worldwide movement — and this fall, that movement comes together in one room. A virtual one, open to all. What's happening On Wednesday, September 23, 2026 , the International Music & Dementia Advocacy Coalition (IMDAC) hosts its first Music & Dementia Global Forum , and the theme says it plainly: Accelerating Music Access for All. It runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST , entirely online, and it's free . Because it's scheduled across time zones — 2 p.m. in London, 3 p.m. in Berlin, 7:30 p.m. in Delhi — caregivers, practitioners, and advocates from around the world can join the same conversation at the same time. The Forum is hosted by Justine Schneider (UK) and Dan Cohen (US), two long-standing voices in this field. This is an applied gathering, not an academic one. You won't leave with a stack of citations. You'll leave with stories, evidence you can use, and practical ideas you can carry back into your own setting. Who it's for If you care about music and dementia, this is for you — whether you come to it as a professional, a practitioner, or a family member. The Forum welcomes: People living with dementia Care partners, family, and friends Dementia care professionals Frontline care providers and service organizations Music practitioners in dementia care You don't need a musical background, a research title, or a budget. You just need an interest in what music can do when it's woven into care. Three hours, three questions The program is built around three simple questions, each opening with presentations from around the globe and closing with small-group breakout rooms where you can actually talk. Hour one asks: what does the evidence show? Felicity Baker from Australia shares MATCH, a technology that helps tailor music to manage symptoms of dementia. Qiuxia Zhang from China and Fei Sun from the US present a music-based approach to depression among older residents in Shanghai care facilities. Real programs, real results, brought to life rather than buried in data. Hour two asks: how do we change the system? Karoline Gjertsen from Norway describes how her country made music a national approach in elderly and dementia care. Anita Shinde from Canada shares highlights from Deloitte's analysis of the economic value of music engagement — the kind of evidence that opens doors with funders and policymakers. Hour three asks: what actually works, and where? Sara Santini from Italy presents the SOUND experience, a music-based approach tested across three European countries. Elaine Fernandes Mateus from Brazil shares MusicalMente, a program rooted in belonging and human connection. These are methods designed to travel — to work in different settings, cultures, and budgets. Afterward, there's an optional half-hour to simply meet one another. In a field where so many people work in isolation, that time to connect matters. Why this matters to us At Room 217, we believe music care — the intentional use of music by anyone to improve health and well-being — belongs to everyone, not just the specialists. That belief doesn't stop at our border. A resident's face softening at a familiar song looks the same in Toronto as it does in Oslo or São Paulo. A forum like this reminds us that we're part of something larger. The barriers are real — stigma, cost, lack of training, language — but so is the momentum to overcome them. Access to music shouldn't be a privilege. It should be a right. Come join us Registration is free and open now through the IMDAC events page at imdac2030.org . Save the date, sign up, and bring a colleague or two. Three hours of your day, and a whole world of people who care about the same thing you do.  Free Registration IMDAC - Music & Dementia Global Forum Tickets, Wednesday, September 23 • 9 AM - 12:30 PM EDT | Eventbrite

There are moments in life when words simply aren't enough. When someone you love is living with dementia or another condition that changes memory and communication, conversations can become difficult. Familiar faces may no longer be recognized. Shared stories may seem lost. Yet, remarkably, a simple song can reach places that words cannot. Music has an extraordinary ability to awaken memories, evoke emotions, and reconnect us to the people we love. A favourite melody can spark a smile, inspire conversation, encourage movement, or bring a sense of calm during moments of uncertainty. It reminds us that even when memory changes, the capacity to feel, connect, and experience joy often remains. This is the inspiration behind Without a Song, a moving tribute to the power of music in care. Written by legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Murray McLauchlan , Without a Song was dedicated to the Room 217 Foundation on its 10th anniversary in 2019. The song beautifully captures what caregivers, families, and healthcare professionals witness every day: music is far more than entertainment. It is a bridge to connection, comfort, and hope. That belief is at the heart of MUSIC CARE by Room 217. Through evidence-informed education, practical tools, and professional training, the organization is helping caregivers across Canada and around the world confidently integrate music into everyday care. Whether in long-term care, hospices, hospitals, community programs, or family homes, music becomes a trusted companion that supports both the person receiving care and those who care for them. The story behind the recording is just as inspiring as the song itself. Produced by Philip Janz at Hi Tyme Studios in Abbotsford, British Columbia, the recording features talented musicians who are part of the Room 217 community. But perhaps its most powerful moment came during the 19th MUSIC CARE CONFERENCE in November 2025. Inside Metalworks Studios in Mississauga, Ontario, 180 caregivers gathered to lend their voices to the song's background chorus. These were not professional singers. They were nurses, recreation professionals, therapists, care partners, and other caregivers who understand firsthand the impact music can have on the people they support every day. Together, their voices became a powerful reminder that caring is something we do together. Among those voices is Ontario's Minister of Long-Term Care, the Honourable Natalia Kusendova-Bashta who spoke to conference participants about the transformative role music can play in dementia care. Her voice, alongside those of 179 other caregivers, professionals, and advocates, became part of the recording—a meaningful symbol of a shared commitment to bringing music into care. The accompanying video, produced by Kelsey Blake Creative in Toronto, features actors connected through Room 217's certification program, reinforcing the message that music care is built through community, compassion, and shared purpose. At a time when healthcare continues to seek more person-centred approaches, Without a Song reminds us of something beautifully simple: music helps us remain connected to ourselves and to each other. It reaches beyond illness, beyond diagnosis, and beyond the limits of memory. Because sometimes, when words fail, a song can help us find our way home.  We invite you to watch Without a Song and experience the message for yourself.

In the first two blogs of this series, we explored why music is such a powerful tool in dementia care—how it can connect with the “preserved self” and awaken memories and emotions that remain intact despite cognitive decline. Research consistently shows that music positively influences every dimension of human experience, from our physical responses to our emotional and social well-being. The question remains. How do we use music everyday in dementia care? Let’s consider some daily scenarios and match a musical strategy to use in care situations. These are not prescriptive, rather musical approaches that need to be used purposefully, being mindful of an individual’s response. As a carer, pay attention to the effect of the music. If you can see it is supporting an individual, continue. If not, stop and try something else. Here are nine musical strategies to be used for a particular purpose. The key to music care is that you are being intentional about what you’re doing and mindful of the effects. The goal is to support an individual’s health and wellbeing. Hum for Sleep For many people, humming is less intimidating than singing. Humming facilitates self-soothing which becomes by extension soothing for those around us. In this way humming invites presence, attuning us to the moment, concentrating on the experience of sound and vibration, and its effects on the breath and body. Gently humming a favourite song, or two or three pitches, perhaps with stroking a hand or cheekbone area may be calming and relaxing and help someone become drowsy. Play an Instrument When Someone Wanders Wandering and getting lost suggest the person living with dementia is bored or they may be looking for someone or something. One way to address this distraction is to change the soundscape by playing an instrument, such as a shaker or a hand drum. The sound may shift their focus towards the sound source drawing them into listening and perhaps engaging them in playing an instrument. You can also extend this connection by playing along to some recorded music, together. Play Calming Music at Mealtimes Proactively using music 30 minutes prior to any activity that’s being supported will boost cognition and trigger the brain in advance of the activity. In the context of mealtime, using music will help prepare an individual to recognize their food, swallow, and perhaps, increase intake. Use Singing Games to Improve Mood A way to immediately shift the mood of an individual or invite engagement with a group who may be anxious because they don’t know each other well is to play a fun and simple game using a well-known song, like My Bonnie. Sing the song a few times with the individual or group and then add an extra challenge like clapping hands on every word that begins with “B”. This kind of simple singing game can come with loads of laughs and fun. Use Designed Music for Sundowning The tempo and energy of music can potentially agitate a person living with dementia. It also has the potential to calm. Room 217 has a library of designed music. For example, the four MUSIC COLLECTIONS are ideal for calming. Paced at 60 beats per minute to sync up with resting heart rate, this music, which is mostly familiar Western music, tends to have a calming, comforting effect. The PATHWAYS Singing Program, 30 minute episodes of familiar songs led by a singing host, is purposefully designed for engagement. Individuals are invited to sing. This engaging program has resulted in less falls, and a deeper sense of belonging. You can find these tools at the MUSIC CARE Store , or on the MUSIC CARE CONNECT streaming app available on Google Play or the Apple Store . Dance for Exercise Research tells us that music and dance together are the most brain nourishing activity. Not only can dance be a stimulating and enjoyable way to move the body, it can also help to release tension and release energy. Dancing together is a bonding experience that can bring a sense of community to a group. Use One Song for Cuing and Recognition A favourite music care strategy is called ‘One Song.’ Choose one song, or a phrase/chorus of a song for a particular activity and use that song – whether you sing it, whistle it or hum it each time that activity is to occur. Ideally, the one song has particular meaning to the individual living with dementia. For example, Use a Personal Playlist for Personal Care This time of the day can be particularly challenging. Using someone’s favorite music can lighten these care tasks. Sing along, “celebrate good time times, come on!” when wanting to transition an individual or group from lunch or a nap to an activity or a program. Breathe Together for Deeper Connection Being aware of your own breath can make a significant impact on our caring relationships. Humans entrain, or sync up, with each other’s breathing. This mutuality has implications for how individuals experience their care. So be aware and present to your own breath. Is it deep or shallow? What is the pace? Where does it land in your body? Are you breathing from your nose or mouth or both? Then become aware of the other person’s breathing. Pay attention to how they are breathing. Then consciously change your breath to match their breath. You may use these strategies interchangeably. The more confident you can become with each strategy, the more they become part of your daily practice and valuable assets in your caregiving toolkit.

Music is more than just background noise — it’s the soundtrack to our lives. It connects us to memories, people, and emotions. It lifts us up, calms us down, and brings us back to moments we thought we’d forgotten. That’s why, when it comes to dementia care, music isn't just helpful — it can be transformative. Even as other parts of the brain struggle with language or short-term memory, music has this remarkable ability to break through. And research backs that up. Here are 10 reasons why music is such a powerful tool for supporting individuals living with dementia. 1. Music Sparks Memory - You’ve probably seen it before — someone who struggles to remember names or faces suddenly lights up when they hear an old favorite tune. That’s because music is stored across many areas of the brain, not just one. So even when dementia causes some areas to decline, others may still recognize melody, lyrics, rhythm, and harmony. That multi-area storage makes music a resilient memory trigger. 2. The Brain Can Rewire Itself (Yes, Really) - Thanks to neuroplasticity, the brain can adapt and form new connections — even around damaged areas. For some people with dementia, this means that new songs or even new skills can still be learned. That’s hope in action. 3. Music Unlocks Emotional Memories - Certain songs instantly take us back — to a wedding, a childhood home, a loved one. For people with dementia, these emotional ties can unlock memories thought to be lost. Why? Because emotions are powerful memory anchors, and music naturally brings emotions to the surface. 4. Music Offers a Way to Communicate - Even when words fail, music speaks. Take the example of Gladys Wilson and Dr. Naomi Feil’s touching moment (watch it here ). Through music, Gladys — who no longer used words — found a way to connect, respond, and express herself. Her rhythmic tapping became a language of its own. 5. Personalized Playlists Make a Big Difference - Familiar music — especially songs someone loved earlier in life — can be incredibly powerful. Research shows that preferred music can reduce agitation, soothe anxiety, and even help preserve a sense of identity. So yes, playlists really do matter. 6. The Carryover Effect is Real - One of the most remarkable things about music in dementia care is its lasting impact. After engaging with music, a person might show improved mood or awareness not just for minutes — but for hours, even weeks. While it’s not guaranteed every time, this “carryover effect” shows how deeply music can reach. 7. Music Meets Social & Emotional Needs - Singing together, drumming, or just sharing a favorite song can create connection and improve quality of life. Music addresses core psychosocial needs — like inclusion, comfort, and belonging — that are so important for people living with dementia. 8. Family & Caregivers Can Join In - You don’t need to be a music therapist to make a difference. Simple activities like singing with a loved one, humming during care routines, or playing familiar tunes while helping someone get dressed can turn routine tasks into meaningful moments. 9. Music Supports Every Stage of Dementia - From early stages to end-of-life care, music continues to offer value. In the early days, it can jog memory. In the middle stages, singing can help with focus and cognition. And in late stages, music provides comfort, connection, and even dignity. It’s never too early or too late to start. 10. Music Pairs Beautifully With Other Therapies - Music doesn’t have to stand alone. It works wonderfully with art, dance, cooking, and storytelling — enhancing experiences and deepening engagement. Whether it’s part of a craft session or simple dance movement, music makes everything more joyful and meaningful. If you’re caring for someone with dementia — as a family member, nurse, or caregiver — remember this: you already have one of the most powerful tools at your fingertips. A favorite song. A melody from the past. A gentle rhythm. Music doesn’t just bring back memories. It brings back connection, expression, and sometimes, even joy. So go ahead — press play.

This article was written by Chelsea Mao and is part of a series provided by upper year Health Sciences students at McMaster University. Everywhere at the End of Time by The Caretaker is the alias of English electronic musician Leyland Kirby. This is a 6-album series in which they use loops of sampled vintage jazz music, featuring tracks such as “Heartaches” by Al Bowlly and “Say It Isn't So” by Layton & Johnstone. The product depicts a slow and harrowing progression, as it is a piece of haunting experimental music and noise. The albums were released from 2016 to 2019 in 6-month intervals to convey the passing of time, rendering themes of decay, melancholy, and confusion through this abstract 6-hour series. The first album is simply a compilation of samples of 1930s jazz music, noting that those living with dementia today have most likely lived through that era of music. As we progress to the second and third albums, the music slows down but is still recognizable, similar to how life slows down with time, but we still possess memories of the past. The music becomes distorted and eerie, and the sounds of the vinyl record crackle, symbolizing the waning of one’s memories with hints of confusion. It almost sounds like the realization of memories fading away with an incohesion of the past. The fourth album is when it feels like it’s practically an entirely different album. Songs and instruments start and stop playing randomly, exemplifying the memories becoming entangled and repetitive. The fifth album brings a level of fear to this 6-album series. It made the unfamiliar sounds of album four sound familiar, caked with a layer of confusion. The last album is a depressing depiction of uncertainty. The sounds of this album are so quiet that they seem loud . There are many misconceptions about what dementia is defined as , but generally, dementia is an umbrella term used to describe diseases that cause abnormal brain changes. Most commonly, people living with dementia struggle with cognition and experience a range of behavioural and psychological symptoms like agitation or depression. Although it’s found that Dementia often impacts people over the age of 65, some can still experience it at an earlier age, as early as their 40s and 50s. So, it’s crucial to grasp the symptoms of dementia and find ways to mitigate such symptoms to ease your loved ones with dementia. This is why I chose Everywhere at the End of Time, as music is a universal language that we can use to communicate with each other, no matter our background. The album helps us, the caregivers, to recognize the distressing and frightening reality of people living with dementia. For my entire life, I’ve always loved to drink Coca-Cola, and I think part of it was conditioned by my grandma. She always had a can of Coca-Cola, whether she was watching TV or playing board games with me. A few years ago, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It took a toll on me because we had always been really close, and with her living in China, I felt useless because I wasn’t able to be there and care for her. She's at the stage now where she hardly recognizes me. I understand that her memory of me and herself is fading, but I know that she is still there because even when she is having trouble eating food, she will always have a Coca-Cola with her meals. Although it’s hard for me to watch someone who essentially raised me (alongside my mom) suffer through this, I can’t fathom the pain and confusion she has to endure with dementia. I think many caregivers struggle to help patients experiencing dementia, and it can even have an adverse effect on their personal mental health and flourishing. However, music can be used by the caregiver or anyone to connect with those living with dementia, and I think it’s such a powerful tool for overcoming barriers between caregivers and their patients. Whether we use music for communicating with others or for regulating emotions, it’s pieces like Everywhere at the End of Time remind us how closely related music and health are.