Clwyd West AM Darren Millar has praised an Old Colwyn group which is helping people with dementia through singing sessions.

Singing for the Brain is a service provided by Alzheimer's Society which uses singing to bring people together in a friendly and stimulating social environment.

Following a visit to the Old Colwyn group this week, Darren said:

"My visit to the Tuesday session at Old Colwyn showed me that singing is not only an enjoyable activity, it can also provide a way for people with dementia, along with their carers, to express themselves and socialise with others in a fun and supportive group.

"Hidden in the fun are activities which build on the well-known preserved memory for song and music in the brain. I was told by the leaders of the group that even when many memories are hard to retrieve, music is especially easy to recall. It is great that people with dementia and their carers have access to this activity. Dealing with dementia can be extremely challenging so having a group such as this which enables them to come together and share their experiences while having fun is fantastic."

Andrea Newnham, Dementia Support Worker for Alzheimer’s Society added:

"It was fantastic to welcome Darren to the Singing for the Brain session in Old Colwyn. We very much value his support and it was especially important for the carers present to be recognised for what they do."Alzheimer's Society launched a new report this week entitled 'Building dementia friendly communities: a priority for everyone' which shows that one in three people (35%) with dementia surveyed only leave their homes once a week and one in 10 get out just once a month. It highlights how important services like our Singing for the Brain® group are, as they enable people with dementia to get out and about in their local community and maintain their independence."

"There are over 12,000 people living with dementia in north Wales and this is set to rise but with the right support, and services like Singing for the Brain, people can live well with the condition for a number of years."

As well as Singing for the Brain, Alzheimer’s Society has a number of other services to support people with dementia and their carers. To find out more visit alzheimers.org.uk/localinformation or contact Alzheimer’s Society in Colwyn Bay on 01492 546870.

Picture Caption: People with dementia and their carers at the the Old Colwyn Singing for the Brain group