A CAERPHILLY man who is living with dementia was inspired to write a song about the Alzheimer’s Society Singing for the Brain group he attends – and now he’s using it to help others affected by the condition. The Ystrad Mynych group provide backing vocals for Mr D, by Geraint Roberts, which was played for the first time at a festive session this week.
Mike Sterling, who has played Phantom on the West End more than 1,000 times, provides vocals on the track that was recorded in Shabby Road Studios, Caerphilly, with musicians Nigel Hart and Al Steel. Geraint is urging people to donate to Alzheimer’s Society’s Christmas Appeal so no-one in Wales has to face dementia alone.
Alzheimer’s Society’s Singing for the Brain brings people affected by dementia together in a fun, friendly and supportive environment. Uniting people affected by dementia through song, it helps to reduce social isolation, improve quality of life, wellbeing and mood.
Geraint, 65, who was diagnosed with logophenic aphasia with Alzheimer’s disease in 2022, said: “Mr D in the song is Mr Dementia and it’s something that I’ve thought about for a long time. It feels fabulous when everyone sings it in the group.
“I used to be a drummer and when some friends heard I’d written this song they wanted to help me record it and it’s really taken off. I want to use it to help others like me who have dementia.”
The lyrics of the chorus are: We will sing for the brain, sing for the brain/Tea and biscuits, fun and laughter/We will sing for the brain, sing for the brain/Smiling faces is what we’re after.
Findings published this week highlight a need for stronger community ties, particularly for people living with dementia who are more vulnerable to isolation.
The survey of 2,100 adults across the UK found that in Wales 30% say they don’t know their neighbours well, with more than a quarter (26%) saying they would feel uncomfortable inviting a person they knew were by themselves to eat Christmas dinner with them.
Dementia is caused by different diseases that damage the brain. The symptoms get worse over time and include memory loss, confusion, problems with language and understanding and changes in behaviour. This can lead people living with symptoms to avoid social interactions and become isolated.
Studies have shown that social isolation can increase a person’s risk of dementia by about 60%. Staying socially connected helps build what’s known as cognitive reserve – the brain’s ability to cope with damage from diseases like Alzheimer’s. Social interaction can strengthen resilience, reduce stress and boost mood, all of which support brain health.
Alzheimer’s Society is asking for support for its appeal – Reimagine Christmas – so that its lifechanging support services are available for the 50,000 people living with dementia in Wales, and that no-one is left to face the condition alone.
Donations to the appeal will help fund Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Support Line, which connects people affected by dementia or caring for someone with dementia with specially trained Dementia Advisers. Last year, 23,000 people in crisis called the Dementia Support line over the winter period.
Michelle Dyson CB, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Christmas is traditionally a time for joy, laughter and creating memories.
“But for around one million people in the UK living with dementia, the festive season can be a painful reminder of how once familiar traditions become harder to hold onto.
“Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, with one in three people born today expected to develop the condition. Our survey reveals that people recognise the need for increased support for people affected but don’t know how they can help.
“Loneliness at Christmas is a painful reality for many, especially those affected by dementia.
“It will take a society to beat dementia and, with your support, we can be here for more people affected by dementia with our lifechanging support services when they need us most.”
To donate or find out more, visit the Alzheimer’s Society’s Reimagine Christmas page.
If you are worried about yourself, a loved one or neighbour with dementia, please contact Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.
