Every Monday afternoon Southcare Como’s John Hardwick Centre is filled with the voices of Songfest’s The Young Ones singing group. 

The Young Ones is a group for people with younger onset dementia, their carers, family and friends, one of five dementia-friendly choirs that the not-for-profit singing organisation runs across Western Australia.

Younger onset dementia affects people under the age of 65 and the diagnosis comes with a predicted life expectancy of seven years. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, more than 28,400 Australians are living with the disease, and in 2023, it was the second leading cause of death nationally. 

Songfest choir coordinator Matt Clements said younger onset dementia does not affect people’s singing memory, so the participants are able to remember the lyrics and create “one big sound”. 

“They feel comfortable singing normally with everyone else, as not everybody who is singing has dementia,” he said. 

Ken, a participant, said that the singing makes him feel “happier and greater,” while his friend Kathy said that it is uplifting for him. 

Greg, 69, who has younger onset dementia, has been attending the group for over a year. His carer Bev attends with him. 

“We enjoy coming for the socialising and support, the joyfulness, and the commitment of the volunteers,” Bev said. 

“It is important for the routine, the familiarity, and it’s a great start to the week.”  

After singing classics from the 1970s and 1980s, participants are given the chance to socialise with each other over afternoon tea prepared by volunteers. 

The Young Ones runs every Monday, even during public holidays, as Mr Clements explained there are few things people living with the disease can go out and enjoy on a regular basis. 

Southcare chief executive Enda Fahy said the group offers a safe and welcome space for people to gather, and interest is growing every week. 

“We want people to get out of their homes and come together over shared interests … the singing group is a huge part of that.”

Dementia specialist Theresa Bates said younger onset dementia patients decline at a faster rate than geriatric patients; however, those who keep moving and stay generally healthy can slow the decline. 

“We know patients with dementia who engage in social activities have less apathy and better emotional well-being,” she said. 

To improve the lives of people living with dementia, Mr Fahy suggested offering respite to carers, listening and engaging with people living with dementia by speaking clearly and calmly, and providing support and reassurance while helping them maintain their independence. 

On September 17, The Young Ones will perform at Alzheimer’s WA’s Dementia Symposium in the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

To learn more about younger onset dementia, head to Dementia Australia’s website.