- “Vera” is designed to be used by people affected by dementia, offering personalized playlists based on age.
- The app has just launched for iOS devices in the UK, US, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, using a subscription model: $89.99/year in the US.
- Universal Music Group is on board as the exclusive launch partner, with “Vera” choosing a selection of tracks from your catalog that will work best with your treatment.
It is a service developed by the Australian firm MusicHealthwhich the company chose as one of the 60 startups you should know about in last year’s third quarter report when it was preparing for launch.
“True” is designed to be used by people affected by dementia, offering custom playlists according to their age and how they respond to what the application of “True”.
The app has just launched for iOS devices in the UK, US, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, using a subscription model: $89.99/year in the US. Universal Music Group is on board as exclusive launch partner, with “True” choosing a selection of tracks from your catalog that will work best with your treatment.
COO and co-founder Stephen Hunt is a former UMG executive.
Here’s a broader look at this specific condition and the potential role of music in caring for those affected by it. In April, UK Music and the campaign organization Music For Dementia published a reportPower of music‘, presented at the Universal Music UK office, on this specific topic.
This week, UMG’s chief digital officer, Michael Nash, said the label is “working with a wide range of companies to develop therapeutic applications of music”, indicating UMG’s belief that this can become a significant niche for its licensing business.
With “True” now live for consumers, and in trials with healthcare firm BUPA, it should provide some useful advice on whether the label is correct.
How can music help people with Alzheimer’s disease?
According to the Mayo Clinic, research suggests that listening to or singing songs can provide emotional and behavioral benefits in people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
Musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer’s disease because key brain areas related to musical memory are poorly affected by the disease.
For example, music can do the following:
- Reduce stress
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- reduce agitation
music can also benefit caregivers by reducing anxiety and distress, calming mood, and providing a way to connect with loved ones who have Alzheimer’s disease, especially with those who have difficulty communicating.
Keep in mind that music may not affect your loved one’s cognitive status or quality of life. Additional research is needed to better understand the precise effects of music and Alzheimer’s disease.
