Ferguson highlights music's role in dementia care, citing personal ties

Sir Alex Ferguson has become more vocal about the potential role of music in helping people living with dementia, including his brother. In an interview with BBC Breakfast tied to National Playlist Day, the former Manchester United manager discussed his growing involvement with dementia charities and his work as an ambassador for Playlist for Life. He described music as a lifelong constant and said it can help people with memory loss engage with others, even if they do not consider themselves strong singers.

Ferguson spoke about meeting Mil, 89, and Ken Simpson, a couple in their 80s and part of a United season-ticket family, at a Cheshire hotel event. Mil has been living with dementia since 2010, years before Ferguson's retirement, and Ken is involved as part of their family’s long-standing support for the club. The former United manager noted that music groups, singing and dance programs provide meaningful activity for those affected by dementia and their families. He said the reaction when he first spoke publicly about the issue a year earlier was overwhelming and helped him decide to devote more time to the cause. He is now an ambassador for Playlist for Life and believes music can help people remember and participate, even if they do not feel they are good singers.

Ferguson has personal stakes in the issue, describing his brother's memory as fluctuating but not rapidly deteriorating. He said he tries to stay in touch with him daily and encourages him to write things down, noting that his brother recognises him even if memory is not always clear. He added that he would turn 84 in December and, reflecting on aging, acknowledged that memory can waver for anyone. Still, he remains engaged with football through history and is drawn to activities such as crosswords, singing and reading, including material on the American Civil War.

The former manager also spoke about life after his wife, Lady Cathy Ferguson, died on October 5, 2023, after a nearly six-decade marriage. In the years since, he said he has sought purpose by traveling to places such as Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and Bahrain and by engaging with dementia groups. He described occupancy as important for maintaining balance and said the dementia work has been personally meaningful and helps him stay active.

When asked about the durability of his memory, Ferguson recalled his years in press conferences and the way those moments remain accessible. He described press conferences as a personal challenge because, as he put it, whatever is said there can be stored “for life.” He noted that headlines and questions can linger long after the moment passes. Despite stepping back from day-to-day football duties, Ferguson remains a regular presence at United matches, and his participation in memory and dementia conversations continues to draw attention to the issue and to the potential benefits of music as a therapeutic tool.