Laurence Dopson reports on an initiative in Scotland that uses hymn singing to trigger reminiscences among older people

‘I t’s just like being in church.’ So say those who listen to a CD of favourite hymns produced by the Dementia Services Development Centre at Stirling University. The CD features recordings of hymns sung by ordinary congregations, not choirs, and sung at a slower pace which older people, including those with dementia, can keep up with. The CD is in demand from nursing and care homes, and from personal carers as well.