Hello, I'm Dashiani Navanayagam and welcome to the conversation, the program that explores an issue through the personal experiences of two women from around the world.
Globally, there are more than 55 million people living with dementia.
It can be a lonely, frightening experience for them and their loved ones, but music therapy is increasingly being used to help soothe and enhance their quality of life.
Today, my guests are two women who both work as music therapists and specialize in dementia.
Professor Melissa McArdle Brothons is from Spain.
Her clinical and research work focuses on the impact of music on people with dementia.
And previously she was the president of the World Federation of Music Therapy.
And Amina Hussain is a professional musician and the principal flautist of the Manchester camerata in the UK.
She also works as a music therapist after she was inspired by the impact music can have on people's emotional states.
Welcome to you both.
Hello.
Hello.
Hello.
Melissa and Amina, I wanted to start by asking you both a very personal question.
Can you recall a moment in your life where music really touched you or changed your way of being?
Melissa, shall we start with you?
Well, I actually have many moments.
I was born in a family of musicians, so when I first started studying music at five years old, playing the guitar, to me this was a turning point, to be able to accompany my singing with the guitar.
Then when I started studying and playing flute, like Amina, to be able to be part of an ensemble and to enjoy and give concerts, and this was also something very, very, very special.
And Amina, what about you?