Coronavirus lockdown sparks new radio station for people with dementia

A new radio station created for people with dementia is expected to become the “station of choice” for care settings and those with the condition living at home.

m4d Radio (m4dradio.com) is the new internet radio station launched by charity Music for Dementia during the coronavirus pandemic to lift the spirits of people living in lockdown with dementia. It is free to listeners and available 24 hours a day, every day.

The group of five radio stations is the culmination of months of planning of programming schedules that follow the rhythm of the day from waking to bedtime and through the night. It promises ‘meaningful and appropriate music at any time’.

Crucially because M4d Radio is a non-commercial offering, it does not contain advertisements and so does not distract or confuse people with mid-to late stages of dementia. To avoid confusion, talking on each programme is also limited.

M4d Radio gives listeners the chance to tune into the mix station or one of four other stations playing music by decade from the 1930s to the 1970s. The music covers music to move to, songs from musicals and soothing tracks for sundowning and night time.

m4d Radio is available at m4dradio.com via any internet-enabled device including mobile

Lauren Laverne: ‘When words fail, music has the power’

m4d Radio’s launch is backed by Music for Dementia’s ambassador and BBC presenter Lauren Laverne, who has recorded a welcome message for m4d Radio. Lauren Laverne and Naughty Boy are among the celebrities taking part in the #Song4You challenge, in which they dedicate a song to someone affected by dementia.

Lauren Laverne said: “We all instinctively know how music can help connect us to others, but for people living with dementia music provides a lifeline.

“When words fail, music has the power to reach people emotionally and in many cases trigger memories.

“m4d Radio is a vital resource that aims to stop those living with dementia feeling isolated, especially during these unprecedented times and this is a simple way that everyone can help.

“We’d love to see as many people as possible getting involved in the #Song4You challenge, help build the m4d Radio playlist and crucially, help improve the wellbeing of so many who are affected by this awful disease.”

The band Junodream joined the #Song4You challenge by dedicating 'Sunday Morning' by the Velvet Underground, in support of their loved ones living with dementia.

TV presenter Fiona Phillips dedicated Patsy Cline’s 'Crazy' to her late father Neville who had dementia. It was a song they loved to dance to together.

'Station of choice' for thousands at home and care homes

The Music for Dementia charity sees the radio as a helpful tool for carers and care workers looking to ‘lift’ the mood of people with dementia who live at home or in a care home.

Music for Dementia programme director, Grace Meadows said: “We know that music enriches the lives of people living with dementia and during lockdown the benefits of music for everyone have become even more felt”.

By providing a choice of era-specific radio stations for different age groups, Ms Meadows said “Carers can get to know the music that resonates with those they care for, enhancing their quality of life. It’s also an aid for carers wanting to create a mood lift without having to break off from their tasks to search for appropriate music.

“m4d Radio amplifies Music for Dementia’s aim of making music freely available to everyone living with dementia and we hope that it will become a station of choice for many care settings.”

Music for Dementia is “continually developing” the station’s content and welcomes involvement and feedback from people living with dementia and their carers.