Alzheimer music therapy group celebrates a year of smiles

A monthly Fort William music therapy group for people suffering from Alzheimer's, dementia or memory loss has celebrated its first anniversary.

 

The group, run by Alzheimer Scotland with Pulse Music Therapy's Clare Reynolds, held a special session with tea, biscuits and birthday cake on Wednesday June 28.

 

After starting in April 2022 with initial funding from Alzheimer Scotland, the sessions have allowed six to 13 attendees to participate in songs and percussion accompanied by Clare on the guitar or keyboard.

 

Describing the group, Eleanor Brown, Community Activities Organiser for Alzheimer Scotland, said: "It's absolutely fabulous. Colleagues from Alzheimer Scotland are coming to see what happens so they can use it in their areas.

 

"It's a chance to get out of the house, to meet other people and to stimulate the brain. The carers love it too. They get a great benefit.

 

"The therapeutic benefit of music is well known and we can witness it with our own eyes."

 

Caroline Gordon, post-diagnostic support worker for Alzheimer Scotland, said: "It's an absolute delight. It brings a smile to everyone's face, including the organisers."

 

Sessions of the music therapy group are held at An Drochaid in Fort William between 2pm and 3.30pm, usually on the last Wednesday of the month. It is open to anyone with Alzheimer's, dementia or memory loss, as well as carers.

 

Anyone wishing to know more about the group can contact Eleanor Brown at 07920 868848 or Caroline Gordon on 01397 709868 or 07788 294947.