When Music Remembers for Us: Alzheimers' Month 2026 🎶💜

The song “Niftakarna”, which explores the theme of dementia, has been shortlisted for the Alzheimer Europe 2026 Anti-Stigma Award: an important recognition for a song tackling an equally important cause.

To mark this significant moment, UM brought together art and science to explore the relationship between music and dementia, and the powerful role music can play in the lives of people living with the condition.

We spoke to Prof. Michael Spagnol, author of “Niftakarna”, and Prof. Charles Scerri, a dementia expert, about the ways music can bring a smile to someone’s face, inspire them to dance or evoke powerful emotions. For people living with dementia, these seemingly simple moments can carry particular meaning, creating opportunities for connection and expression even when other forms of communication become more difficult.

Music has a unique ability to reach us beyond words. A familiar melody can bring back a feeling, spark a memory or transport us to another moment in time. And while dementia can affect a person’s ability to remember, the emotional connection we have with music can remain deeply significant.

Sometimes, even when memory begins to fade, music remembers for us. 

A heartfelt thank you to Daniel Cauchi and the entire team behind the song, as well as the Malta Dementia Society, for helping shine a light on dementia and highlighting the meaningful role that music can play in creating moments of connection.

Take a moment to listen to the song in its entirety, share its message, and help start conversations about dementia. Because raising awareness, challenging stigma and creating moments of connection can make a difference.