Limerick-based therapist collaborates with dementia sufferers to record song

A UNIQUE collaboration involving a Limerick-based music therapist and people suffering with dementia has been launched ahead of Alzheimer’s Tea Day.

As part of the initiative, Lisa Kelly from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick worked with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland to give the gift of song to family, caregivers and individuals who are living with dementia.

Together, and with the support of singer/songwriter Carl Corcoran, they produced and recorded ‘Who Will We Tell’ which was launched with a live performance before an audience at University of Limerick last week.

The original song explores the experiences of those living with dementia and the importance of public involvement in dementia research.

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Helen Rochford-Brennan, Kevin Quaid and Gerry Paley are all living with various types of dementia but that does not stop them from living life to their fullest.

With support from their family and friends - Carmel Geoghegan, Helena Quaid, and Nuala Paley - the trio have committed to raising awareness of dementia and breaking the stigma of a dementia diagnosis.

In what Carl Corcoran describes as a “remarkable and inspiring experience”, the former RTÉ Lyric FM presenter detailed how he and Lisa Kelly worked with the six individuals to create and produce the ‘Who Will We Tell’ record.

The University of Limerick Emeritus Lecturer added that it was “ an exciting project that I have had the privilege to be part of”.
Basing her PhD research on the role of telehealth music therapy for people with dementia and their family or caregivers, Lisa was awarded a creative dissemination bursary from the Alzheimer Society to complete and record the song.

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland will host Alzheimer’s Tea Day on Thursday, May 4