Reviving Memories Through Music for Dementia Care

Recent research at Edith Cowan University (ECU) has unveiled an innovative approach to enhancing the well-being of older Italian migrants, particularly those living with dementia, by harnessing the therapeutic power of music and storytelling.

The initiative, known as the Comusichiamo project, is spearheaded by a Post Doctoral Research Fellow at ECU, who has developed a program that encourages participants and their families to create songs inspired by cherished melodies from their past. In conjunction with crafting personalized life-story booklets that incorporate their native language and individual memories, this initiative aims to maintain cognitive function, strengthen social identity, and boost overall well-being.

The project, based at InCasa, an aged care home and community center near Fremantle, includes 12 participants in individual sessions and approximately 30 individuals involved in group choir activities. The program's emphasis on co-creating culturally relevant songs and life-story booklets in the participants' first language has shown promising results in enhancing mood, improving physical and social engagement, and encouraging better communication.

Music serves as a vital cultural link for many Italian migrants. The act of singing traditional songs or hearing familiar melodies can evoke powerful emotions and memories, allowing individuals to reconnect with their past and reinforce their sense of identity. This shared musical experience not only promotes cognitive engagement but also restores a sense of agency, empowering participants to shape their cultural and emotional narratives.

The motivation behind Comusichiamo is both professional and personal. The lead researcher observed the impact of cognitive decline on their Italian grandfather, who would come alive while recounting stories from his past. This personal experience, combined with their background as an immigrant and researcher, inspired a focus on how cultural engagement can significantly enhance dementia care.

As of 2021, around 472,000 Australians were reported to be living with dementia, a number projected to surpass one million by 2058. Given that one in three individuals over the age of 65 are immigrants, dementia affects a diverse population, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds. The Comusichiamo initiative provides crucial insights into the necessity of tailoring aged care services to be more inclusive and responsive to these diverse cultural backgrounds.

By prioritizing cultural safety and identity, Comusichiamo presents a non-pharmacological approach to dementia care, one that emphasizes connection, dignity, and quality of life. The research underscores the often-overlooked role of music and storytelling in fostering connections and enhancing the well-being of individuals with dementia.

Initially piloted in aged care facilities in Adelaide, the project has expanded to Western Australia and continues to evolve under the guidance of educators at ECU's School of Education, focusing on well-being.