MUSIC is said to soothe the soul and there is no doubt it can have a calming effect on agitated dementia sufferers.

Patients at Poole Hospital are among those benefitting from an Arts and Dementia Project, “Music for a While” which is running weekly until December.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra associate Neil Valentine, who is also visiting acute hospital wards in Portsmouth and Winchester, leads sessions with his viola, ukulele, guitar, percussion instruments and a song on his lips.

Kate Jones, a dementia nurse specialist at Poole Hospital, said: “Studies have shown that patients with conditions like dementia respond very positively to stimuli like music – that’s why this project is so valuable here at Poole Hospital.

“It’s amazing to see the change in some of our patients once they hear the music, it really promotes calmness and reduces agitation – it really is striking.

“Dementia damages the brain and its normal functions and music seems to break through this when other forms of communication can’t.”

Her team screens every emergency admission over 75-years and of the 750 people a month 20 per cent come in with a memory impairment diagnosis. The five to 10 per cent they pick up are referred on.

At the Lytchett elderly care ward, the afternoon session corresponds with visiting time and relatives are encouraged to join in.

“Seeing eyes lighting up when the music plays, especially when you are able to play a request or something they like, is lovely,” said talented musician Neil.

“We think live music should be provided regularly in every hospital in the country,” said Alexandra Coulter, director of Arts & Health South West (AHSW), which is working with the BSO and nursing staff in the three hospitals.

Lisa Tregale, BSO head of participation, said: “Music is a perfect outlet for people to express themselves and aid relaxation when they are at their most vulnerable.

“Working in partnership with AHSW will enable us to embed this work and provide a continuing programme that will benefit patients, their families, carers and hospital staff.”

Researchers from the Centre for the Arts and Wellbeing at the University of Winchester will be evaluating the effectiveness of the project.

Improving the care of people with dementia while in hospital is a national priority and at any time a quarter of acute beds are occupied by people with dementia.