A new book about The Beatles, which has been designed specifically with, and for, people with dementia, is now available, with the accompanying audio voiced by actor Bill Nighy.
Newly-formed publisher, Cognitive Books, developed the concept in collaboration with Alzheimer’s Society, the UK’s leading dementia charity.
The founder of Cognitive Books, 49-year-old father-of-two and gerontologist, Matt Singleton, had the idea for a book series when he noticed his father, Brian, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2017, was losing his passion for reading as his cognitive abilities declined.
The first book in the series, looking back at…The Beatles, takes the reader on the legendary band’s journey. The books are unique as they solve many of the barriers people with dementia face when reading and can be enjoyed alone or with loved ones and carers.
They use familiar stories, rhyme and rhythm for recall and illustrations to bring the narrative and memories to life. The need to focus on the evolving plot of a story is less important because each page works as its own, individual story. What’s more, the audio version provides additional support for the reader and there are exercises based on Cognitive Stimulation Therapy.
Matt Singleton, Founder of Cognitive Books and author of looking back at…The Beatles said: “My dad has always loved reading. I fondly remember him always having a book in his hand when he had time away from his busy job.
“Dad became extremely forgetful in the months leading up to his diagnosis and in 2017 he was finally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
“My heart sank when Colleen, my step-mum, told me one day that there was no need for me to buy dad any more books as he wasn’t reading anymore. I realised that, due to dementia, dad was finding focusing on the evolving plot of a story very challenging.
“I desperately searched for books that would be more suitable for him to enjoy. But I came up with nothing. Given my knowledge of dementia, and innovation due to both my Masters’ degree in gerontology, and work, I seized the opportunity to solve the problem and that’s how the idea of Cognitive Books was born.”
Actor Bill Nighy who provides the voiceover for the audiobook said: “I was grateful to be given an opportunity to help in any small way with this dreadful condition that afflicts so many of us directly or indirectly. I hope these books can be a valuable addition to the treatment already in place and bring the same satisfaction that they might in normal circumstances. I salute those involved in this project.”
Cognitive Books is one of the groundbreaking products Alzheimer’s Society has invested in to directly benefit people living with dementia as part of the charity’s Accelerator Programme – designed to support people to boost new dementia products and innovations to market, delivering help and hope to people living with dementia.
Simon Lord, Head of Innovation at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “The collaboration with Cognitive Books as part of Alzheimer’s Society Accelerator Programme demonstrates the positive impact there can be when expertise, dedication and a shared vision come together.
“As one in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime, Alzheimer’s Society is committed to developing a product for every person at every stage of the condition.”
By collaborating with Alzheimer’s Society, Matt was able to work alongside people with dementia in the development and testing phase which proved crucial, a process Matt describes as incredibly rewarding.
Martina Davis, has posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), a rare form of dementia, and was part of the lived experience panel that tested and helped co-create the final version of the book. She said: “Reading can be frustrating for me, but with PCA, unlike other forms of dementia, my symptoms can change week to week. Sometimes lines and words can swap themselves around. Paragraphs can fall down the page. Then, other weeks I’ll find that I can read something absolutely fine.
“Colours are really important for someone with dementia. With the final version of the book the colours are popping and I’d want to grab it straight off the shelf. It’s comfortable for me to look at, and having the accompanying audio with Bill Nighy is helpful for me on the days I’m struggling to read.”
looking back at…The Beatles is available to buy now from Alzheimer’s Society’s online shop: shop.alzheimers.org.uk, where additional proceeds of the sale will be paid to Alzheimer’s Society, Amazon and all good bookstores.
Anyone with a great product or innovation to improve the lives of people with dementia can apply for funding and support through the Alzheimer’s Society Innovative Accelerator programme. Visit alzheimers.org.uk/accelerator.