Dementia charity Music for my Mind (MFMM) and Quantum Care have recommenced a study of the impact of music on people with dementia, after a Covid-enforced break.

The project, which had to be paused in 2020, uses facial analysis technology to analyse how people living with memory loss or dementia respond to their favourite music.

Researchers are investigating whether personalised music listening can reduce behavioural and psychological symptoms and improve relationships with carers and family.

The team will work with 80 residents of Quantum Care homes, with the support of families and carers. They will gather information on residents’ musical preferences during their teenage years and use the information to create an automatic playlist. Previous MFMM research has found popular music leaves its greatest impression during teenage years.

Songs which gain the most positive responses will become the resident’s personalised playlist for use as part of their care. The team will visit regularly to record staff and family’s observations of how the music has been affecting the resident’s wellbeing and mood.

Debbie Gilard, Quantum Care’s head of corporate services, said: “We have long believed in the positive benefits of music for people living with dementia and are delighted to be part of this research project.”

Professor Keith McAdam, Music for My Mind founder, said: “Our shared vision is that everyone living with memory loss or dementia will have a playlist of personally meaningful music, as part of their care plan. Our study will lay the groundwork for larger-scale studies that improve the evidence base for music listening in dementia care.”