Meet Margaret Mackie. A Scottish senior who is enjoying national fame, thanks to her love for Sinatra’s iconic song “My Way.” What was initially a viral video of her karaoke rendition at her nursing home soon became a studio recording that started climbing the charts. Margaret is an 83-years-old, and has been diagnosed with dementia – but that didn’t stop her from sharing a spot in the UK top 40 charts with major artists like Ed Sheeran, Lizzo, and Miley Cyrus.
Her caregiver, Jamie Lee Morley, was the one to make Mackie’s talent known to the public by sharing a video of their duet online. Turned out staffers and residents at the nursing home where she lives were all too surprised by her musical talent. Jamie encouraged Margaret to record the song in a professional studio and then put it up on iTunes. The song went on to gain major popularity in the UK and all the earnings from its online sales are being donated to Alzheimer’s and dementia charities.
Music’s Impact on Dementia
Music holds a great number of benefits for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s. It enriches the lives of people suffering from these illnesses and has an overall positive effect on their brain and behavior. It is even used in therapy through the different stages of dementia.
Singing and playing are especially beneficial to people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Perhaps that’s why Jamie encouraged Margaret to do a duet on the classic ballad of Frank Sinatra. She might have had a hard time remembering other things but she did great with the lyrics of “My Way.” Music also enhances the mood, awakens interest and attention, and calms agitation.
Raising Awareness
Besides being a great new version of the song, their cover raised awareness and that’s one thing those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s definitely need. Senior communities with these brain disorders got attention and support from the viral cover and the friends and family of Margaret got to see her sing one of the beautiful Frank Sinatra power ballads, have fun and feel loved.