Making Sense of Sounds. Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Making Sense of Sounds: Sentimental Audio Memories for Dementia Care: Exploring the potential benefits of everyday sounds playlists for people with dementia and their spousal carers
IRAS ID
262432
Contact name
David M Frohlich
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Surrey
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 23 days
Research summary
Numerous studies have shown the beneficial effect of music therapy on people with dementia, for reducing anxiety, increasing wellbeing and stimulating memories. In this project we aim to explore the potential role of sentimental, everyday sound recordings, as opposed to music, for producing similar benefits for people with dementia. Working with families and people with dementia we will discuss the role of sound for them in emotion, wellbeing and memory, before assembling customised sound collection playlists for playback and discussion. Different playback systems designed for people with dementia will be used in these discussions to explore possible platforms for future support of sound recordings in dementia care. A range of new design requirements and solutions will be generated as an output of the project.
The project will establish 1) whether everyday sounds could be beneficial for people with dementia and their spousal carers 2) how these may be beneficial for stimulating emotions, memories and enhancing wellbeing 3) determine what sort of sounds would be most effective 4) investigate what impact sentimental sound playlists could have during a listening session for people with dementia and their carers 5) how sound recorders and players should be designed to support sound recordings for people with dementia
People over 60 with mild to moderate dementia and their spousal carers will be invited to be interviewed in their home, or at the university if they would prefer. In the first session they will be asked about what they would find beneficial and about sounds that are sentimental to them. Based on the data from this session, sentimental sound playlists will be assembled. In visit two, conversations stimulated by listening to the playlists between the researcher, person with dementia and their spousal carer will be video recorded for analysis.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/SC/0202
Date of REC Opinion
12 Jun 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion