How much more evidence do you need/Purple Angel Mp3s for those with dementia

Without a doubt the most compelling Purple Angel feedback we have had up to date, if ANYBODY had ANY doubts they dont work, please read this, and if YOU haven't got one for your loved on with dementia? THEN WHY NOT ?? THESE FREE

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""""" There`s something about Mary """"

(Mary and Dave, not there real name`s, changed for privacy reasons)

Mary is an 80YR old lady who lives with her husband she has carers x 2 daily and is diagnosed with mix type Dementia , Mary now sits in her Nightclothes in a reclining chair all day and despite best efforts by all refuses to engage in daily life .but when asked always states ` I love my life I’m happy ` .

I’ve been seeing Mary and her husband Dave for a while and have helped Mary to collate her life story Book which she got great enjoyment out of and helped them both remember the happy times of their long life together and be able to share equally quality time to reminisce and remember what bought them together and celebrate the many happy years they have enjoyed together, this was when I first noticed how music had played a big part in their lives together.

Before diagnosis Mary was a bright outgoing person always chatting enjoyed nights out dancing, loved to sing, took great pride in her clothes and appearance loved make up and her nails painted , had a varied career but her favourite was a waitress at corporate events and once served the PM Margaret thatcher . Her Husband finds it very difficult to accept that this is Mary now.

MP3 ; the gathering of the information and songs was a therapy session in its self and we spent a couple of hours chatting over coffee together it was wonderful to see Mary And her Husband excitedly reminiscing and talking about their songs and what they danced to it was the first time since the life story work I had seen them both look into each other’s eyes like teenagers again .

Once the Mp3 player was returned it was time for the first listen:

Mary was initially not very interested and quite negative and irritable asked how long it would take and ` what’s this for`.

We pressed Play …….

Almost instantly Marys face changed from screwed up and tense to a wry smile and then relaxed her head nodded in time to the music and then sang along out loud to the music. Shouting over the music stated ` this is brilliant ` wonderful ` isn’t this great Dave can you hear it too?

We could just hear a faint tune one of their songs came on Words by the bee gees, Mary turned to her Husband looked straight into his eyes and sang the song directly to him, He was taken aback Mary reached out and took his hand they continued to sing together a very special moment indeed the power of music is a special thing.

Since that first listen I have facilitated a further 5 sessions and all have a similar outcome. Using evaluation forms Mary has enjoyed every session, hasn’t disliked anything.

Has made her feel ` happy` sentimental ` ` taken me to a happier place ` ` feel relaxed ` Wonderful.

On a scale of 0-10

0 being sad 10 being the happiest

On average before the session Mary has scored herself a 4 and after a 9 and very happy

Mary isn’t able to initiate the sessions and I’m continuing to encourage her husband to prompt and initiate the sessions a few times a week .

In amongst all the home care calls, carers stress, anxiety and feeling trapped especially during covid .Dave often feels disconnected from Mary and that she is no longer the girl he met or the woman he grew up with and spent many happy years together he says like` she’s fading away `. The personalised music list courtesy of Purple Angel has helped them to find a therapeutic activity Mary can enjoy but also in that 30 min session a chance to reconnect reminisce, share the memories, and in conjunction with the life story book see the whole person again .

` The person you are now, is all the people you have ever been `