Less 'dishing out' of pills for dementia patients and more music and dance says Matt Hancock

People with dementia should be prescribed music and dance therapy and less pills, when it is in their best interests, the health secretary Matt Hancock has said at a ‘social prescribing’ event hosted by Prince Charles.

Speaking at a reception at Clarence House to promote more ‘social prescribing’, Matt Hancock said: “Dementia can devastate the lives of people affected by it and although there is not yet a cure I believe we can do more to improve the lives of people with the condition.

“In particular I want to combat over-medicalisation and dishing out pills when it’s not in the best interests of the patient.

“There is increasing evidence suggesting music can bring calm to people with dementia by reducing agitation and supporting those affected to cope better with symptoms. This is the kind of personalised care that I fully endorse as a key part of our NHS’ Long Term Plan.”

Social prescribing schemes are non-clinical activities which are typically provided by voluntary and community sector organisations. Examples include volunteering, arts activities, music, group learning, gardening, befriending, cookery, healthy eating advice and sports.

The government’s NHS Long Term Plan focuses on more person-centred care and aims to roll out its model across the UK - reaching 2.5 million people by 2024.

Evidence suggests music can help people with dementia, in some cases even reducing the need for medication. It can help reduce agitation and minimise the need for restraint, helping people with dementia and their families cope better with symptoms.

While official clinical guidance says areas should consider the therapeutic uses of music or dancing for people with dementia, it is not widely adopted across the country.

One charity Playlist for Life creates personal playlists for people with dementia and has achieved a 60 per cent reduction in the need for psychotropic medication at a care home.

The number of people with dementia is set to rise from 850,000 today to more than a million in less than a decade.

Music therapy does not slow down the progression of dementia but it helps people cope with the emotional and cognitive effects of dementia. It can play a role in reducing the rate of decline and maintaining independence for longer.

NICE has published guidance on ‘Dementia: Supporting people with dementia and their carers in health and social care’. It recommends therapeutic use of music or dancing a means of non-pharmacological intervention for people with dementia. It recommends care staff in care settings, including care homes, work together to ensure these therapies are available.