September is Dementia Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness for the lives of people living with dementia.

At Chiltern Music Therapy, we know that music can be so much more than something we listen to. It can be a powerful way to connect with others, especially when words become difficult and music can help people reconnect with their emotions, with memories they have made and perhaps a part of themselves they feel has been missing. 

Throughout Dementia Awareness Month, we’re proud to continue offering music therapy and music-based activities that support people living with dementia and those around them. In our sessions, we enjoy music together by singing familiar songs to help create a positive experience. 

When music brings someone back to themselves

Our community musician, Eleanor, recently shared a beautiful story from one of her visits to a care home.

A carer asked Eleanor if she could spend some time with a resident who rarely left her room. She often felt uncomfortable and preferred to stay in bed, meaning that she could sometimes miss out on activities taking place elsewhere in the home.

When Eleanor introduced herself, she quickly realised that the resident was someone she had met many years before. Before the pandemic, she had attended a church group that Eleanor used to run. Eleanor remembered her as being fit, active and a brilliant singer.

Although the resident now had dementia and appeared lost and distant, Eleanor remembered her and began singing some familiar songs with her.

Then Eleanor remembered her favourite song: Waltzing Matilda. The resident was originally from Australia, with much of her family still living there and as soon as Eleanor began to sing it, her whole face lit up.

She started smiling, laughing and even started dancing in her bed. She knew almost all the words, harmonised beautifully and for that moment, seemed to come alive through the music. Some of the carers even had tears in their eyes.

Most importantly, the music opened the door to conversation. The resident began talking about Australia and her family and told Eleanor, “Oh, I remembered the songs!”

For Eleanor, it was a powerful reminder of just how meaningful music can be.

“I’m so glad we connected again through music. I’m so happy I remembered her favourite song.”

This is exactly why we believe in the power of music to support people living with dementia. Even when memories can feel difficult to access, a familiar song can sometimes unlock something incredibly personal. Whether that is a person, a place, a memory or even a feeling.

World Walks Against Dementia

This month, we were delighted to support the second Chesham Presents: ‘World Walks Against Dementia 2026’ event, organised by Cllr Aamna Ahmad, which saw many people coming together to walk, raise funds and awareness for those who are affected by dementia. A huge well done to everyone who took part! 

Our Director, Rosie Axon explained:

"It was lovely to see so many people coming together in purple. I could see and feel how the day held both remembrance and hope for those attending, recognising people living with dementia, those we have lost, and the families and carers alongside them. Music is so important in helping people reconnect with their identity, memories and one another, and music therapy is such a valuable part in facilitating this - so it was a real pleasure to be there alongside the many local organisations making information and support more visible."

Continuing the conversation 

While September gives us an opportunity to shine a spotlight on dementia, the need for creating awareness continues throughout the year.

Stories like Eleanor’s remind us that behind a diagnosis of dementia is a person with a lifetime of memories and sometimes one famailar song can help bring those memories closer. 

Our work with people living with dementia takes many forms. Through music therapy and music-based sessions, we create opportunities for people to sing, listen, move, reminisce, express themselves and connect with the people around them.

If you know someone living with dementia who you think could benefit from music therapy or our music-based sessions, please share this article with them or their family/friends.

Our Safe in Sound and Silver Singers groups bring the benefits of music to people who may be living with dementia or experiencing other challenges. You can find out more about the sessions here.

Finally, our autumn CPD programme continues and one of our live online training sessions is 'Supporting People Living with Dementia' - the session is designed for Music Therapists looking to build their confidence and develop practical approaches for working with people living with dementia. The training explores how we can use music to support connection and communication whilst keeping the person at the heart of our practice - Book online here.