Singing along
Meaningful connections through singing
Singing is one of the most powerful and uplifting tools we have when supporting someone with dementia. Even when words become hard to find in everyday conversation, many people can still sing — sometimes remembering every lyric of a favourite song. This is because music and rhythm are processed and stored in different areas of the brain than spoken language, and often remain accessible even as dementia progresses.
Familiar songs offer more than just comfort — they can unlock long-forgotten memories, reduce anxiety, and create moments of joy. When we sing together, it’s not just about the music — it’s about connection. Singing in groups or with a loved one has been shown to increase levels of endorphins, the brain’s natural “feel-good” chemicals, and oxytocin, which is linked to bonding and trust.¹ These neurochemical effects help make singing a truly therapeutic shared activity.
To support you in using music meaningfully, we’ve included lyrics for many songs on this page. These can act as prompts for both the person with dementia and the carer — helping you sing along together with confidence, even when memory or language feels uncertain.
We’ve grouped songs into helpful categories to make it easier to find what resonates best:
