A pioneering book concept developed with Alzheimer’s Society has been designed to bring back the joy of reading to people living with dementia.

Looking back at … The Beatles, with accompanying audio voiced by actor Bill Nighy, is published today by newly formed publisher Cognitive Books.

Nighy said: “I was grateful to be given an opportunity to help in any small way with this dreadful condition that afflicts so many of us directly or indirectly. I hope these books can be a valuable addition to the treatment already in place and bring the same satisfaction that they might in normal circumstances. I salute those involved in this project.” 

The Beatles book, which is the first in a series, is designed to overcome many of the barriers people living with dementia face when reading and can be enjoyed alone or with loved ones and carers.

The books use familiar stories, rhyme and rhythm for recall and illustrations to bring the narrative and memories to life. The need to focus on the evolving plot of a story is less important because each page works as its own individual story. The audio version provides additional support for the reader and there are exercises based on cognitive stimulation therapy.

Matt Singleton, founder of Cognitive Books and the book’s author, came up with the idea after his father lost his love of reading after developing dementia.

“I desperately searched for books that would be more suitable for him to enjoy,” Singleton said. “But I came up with nothing. Given my knowledge of dementia, and innovation due to both my Masters’ degree in gerontology, and work, I seized the opportunity to solve the problem and that’s how the idea of Cognitive Books was born.”

Looking back at…The Beatles is available to buy from today from Alzheimer’s Society’s online shop: shop.alzheimers.org.uk, where additional proceeds of the sale will be paid to Alzheimer’s Society, Amazon and all good bookstores. 

Anyone with a great product or innovation to improve the lives of people with dementia can apply for funding and support through the Alzheimer’s Society Innovative Accelerator programme. Visit alzheimers.org.uk/accelerator.