Oldham MP joins ‘singing for the brain’ session in Dementia Action Week

The Alzheimer’s Society’s Singing for the Brain brings people affected by dementia together to meet in a fun, friendly and supportive environment

Dementia Friends Champion, Debbie Abrahams, the MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, has joined a local 'Singing for the Brain' session, to mark Dementia Action Week.

The Alzheimer’s Society’s Singing for the Brain brings people affected by dementia together to meet in a fun, friendly and supportive environment.

Uniting people affected by dementia through song, it helps to reduce social isolation, improve quality of life, wellbeing and mood. 

After the session Ms Abrahams, who is also the co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia, said: “It was so lovely to join in the session, I felt so welcome, and I’d like to say a thank you to the group for inviting me take part.

“Singing for the Brain is such an important activity, being uplifting and stimulating for people affected by dementia, and it’s a great way of bringing people together in a supportive environment.”

The local MP added: “During Dementia Action Week, and beyond, I’m backing Alzheimer’s Society campaign urging the government to rebuild the broken social care system, so that people with dementia get universal, high quality, and accessible social care, which, like the NHS, is free at the point of need.

"Dementia isn’t curable yet, but social care can be.”

Sue Clarke, Alzheimer’s Society Greater Manchester Area Manager, added: “We were delighted that Debbie was able to visit a Singing for the Brain session during Dementia Action Week.

“Singing for the Brain can help people, even in advanced stages of dementia, to tap into long-term memories linked to music and song – for some, this can mean they can communicate through singing when no longer able to do so through speech.  

“Singing together can help encourage positive feelings for people affected by dementia and research has shown that music therapy can significantly improve and support the mood, alertness and engagement of people with dementia.

“It can also reduce the use of medication, as well as helping to manage and reduce agitation, isolation, depression and anxiety; overall supporting a better quality of life. 

“Search ‘cure the care system’ to sign our online petition.

“And for information, advice and support, call the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 345 or visit our website.”

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