Music Activities for People with Dementia

Music is one of the simplest things you can share with someone living with dementia. It asks for nothing: no right answers, no steps to follow. A familiar song can bring a smile, a tapping foot or a few words sung along, even on a day when conversation is hard. All you need is the right music for this particular person and a quiet moment to play it.

What music activities work for people with dementia?

Listening, singing, clapping, swaying and talking about music all work well. The National Institute on Aging suggests playing music, talking about the music and the artist, singing or dancing to well-known songs, and going to concerts or musical programs in the community. The Alzheimer’s Association adds that movement like clapping or dancing can add to the enjoyment, and that music can be a way to connect after words become difficult.

How do you build a personal playlist?

The most useful thing you can make is a playlist of music that means something to this person. The NHS also highlights music with personal meaning. Here is a simple way to build one.

Start with their life

• Their teens and twenties. Think about what was on the radio, at dances and in the movies when they were young.
• Big moments. The music at their wedding, a first dance, a favorite family road-trip album.
• Faith and culture. Hymns, gospel, sacred music, or songs in their first language.
• Work and service. Marching bands, work songs, or music tied to a time in the military.
• What family remembers. Ask siblings, children and old friends what they always played or sang.

Think in genres, not just songs

If you are not sure where to start, try a few minutes from each of these and watch the response: big band and swing, doo-wop, Motown and soul, early rock and roll, country and western, bluegrass, gospel and hymns, Broadway show tunes, jazz standards, Latin music such as boleros or mariachi, polka, folk and classical. Keep what brings a smile or a tapping foot; drop what brings a frown.

Make it easy to play

• No commercials. The Alzheimer’s Association warns that ads can cause confusion. Use downloaded music, CDs, records or an ad-free service.
• One simple device. A speaker with one big button, or a playlist saved and ready, so anyone can start it.
• Two short lists. A calm list for settling and a lively list for lifting the mood.
• Label it. Write the person’s name and “favorite music” on the device so visiting family and care staff can use it too.

15 music activities to try

1. Listen together. Sit side by side with nothing else going on. Listening is a complete activity.
2. Sing along. Start singing yourself. Humming or mouthing the words counts.
3. Clap or tap the beat. Pat knees, tap the table, or use a small hand drum or shaker.
4. Slow dance. Hold hands and sway in the kitchen, or dance seated, moving arms together.
5. Scarf dancing. Wave light scarves in time to the music, standing or seated.
6. Talk about the music. Invite, do not test: “This sounds like a dance hall. Tell me about the dances.” Never ask “Do you remember this song?”
7. Play a whole album. Put on a record they loved, start to finish, with coffee.
8. Look at album covers. Old record sleeves are great for talking about fashion, cars and faces.
9. Watch a musical. A filmed musical or concert from their era makes a good evening. Pause for breaks.
10. Play an instrument they know. A former pianist or guitarist may enjoy simple playing. Later, picking out a few notes together is enough.
11. Music while working. Play favorite songs while folding laundry or setting the table.
12. Morning song. Start each day with the same cheerful song as part of the routine.
13. Sing hymns or sacred music. Play music from their faith tradition and sing together.
14. Join a singing group. The NHS describes singing groups as good for mood and wellbeing. Ask locally about dementia-friendly choirs.
15. Go to live music. A short community concert or outdoor band. Sit near the exit and leave whenever you like.

For a lighter word-play activity with familiar phrases, try finish the saying, where you can always show the ending.

Matching music to the moment

The Alzheimer’s Association suggests using music to create the mood you want: calm music for a peaceful atmosphere, and an upbeat song from someone’s youth to lift spirits.

Tips for a good experience

• Turn off other noise. The Alzheimer’s Association suggests shutting windows and doors and turning off the TV so music is the only sound.
• Keep the volume gentle. Music should be comfortable, not loud. If the person uses hearing aids, make sure they are in and working; see hearing.
• Watch for sad associations. Some songs bring up grief, war or loss. If a song upsets them, comfort them and change it.
• Let them lead. If possible, let the person choose the music, and accept a no.
• Stop anytime. Five minutes of music is a fine activity. So is turning it off and sitting quietly.

What does the research say about music and dementia?

The evidence is limited. A 2025 Cochrane review looked at 30 studies of structured music sessions, mostly with groups in nursing homes. It found these sessions probably eased depressive symptoms slightly compared with usual care, but found no clear effect on agitation, well-being or thinking and memory, and no effects that lasted after the sessions ended.

We share music because it is a pleasant, low-pressure way to spend time together, not as a treatment. For group settings, see care home group activities; for using music alongside photos and stories, see reminiscence activities.