What is normal? Using language and big data to inform diagnosis of dementia

Music is powerful! Whether it's 60s psychedelic rock, soul, opera, classical or songs from West End the shows, music can be calming, uplifting and bring to conger up long-forgotten memories. For a number of years researchers have been exploring the the power of music and singing and how it can help people living with dementia. This week Megan O'Hare is joined by three special guests who are researching and exploring ways to help people through music. Grace Meadows, musician, music therapist, and Programme Director for the Music for Dementia 2020 campaign. Dr Robyn Dowlen, Postdoctoral Research Associate at The Centre for Cultural Value, University of Leeds. Robyn is working to understand the difference arts and culture make to people’s lives and society, by making research more accessible and by supporting the cultural sector to capture and evaluate the value it produces. Emilie Brotherhood, Research Fellow / part-time PhD student at University College London. Emilie is investigating physiological responses to music in people living with Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA) and Alzheimer’s disease. You can find out more about our panellists, and their work on our website www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk. A transcript of this podcast is also available here https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/podcast-music-and-dementia Like what you hear? Please review, like, and share our podcast - and don't forget to subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode. Regular host Adam Smith is hosting a 12 hour Dementia Research Live Chatathon - 7th September, 12 hours, over 56 researchers + special guests, to raise much needed funding for Alzheimer's Research UK. To find out more visit http://www.chatathon.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Research UK and Alzheimer's Society, who we thank for their ongoing support.