A St Albans resident has spoken of the "uplifting" experience of running a singing group for dementia sufferers, inspired by the joy her late mum found in singing when diagnosed.

Lu Lawrence set up Singing for Memory in St Albans after both of her parents suffered with the cruel disease.

The singing enthusiast quit her full-time job to care her her dad after his diagnosis. He had previously been a full time carer to her mum.

In the final stages of her life, Lu's mum found joy in singing, something she discovered after taking her mum to a singing session in Finchley.

She explains that "suddenly she came to life", going from being practically non-verbal to smiling and singing, remembering the songs of her youth.

After both her parents died, Lu had a "dream" of setting up a similar group in St Albans and approached the chair of St Albans Masorti Synagogue about doing so.

Starting at the beginning of the year, the group has been a hit with patients and carers, who get a cup of tea, some cake and the chance to get out of the house while enjoying some music.

Lu said: "Singing has a really positive impact on people with dementia. We know that singing and music is one of the last things that we forget.

"With dementia the brain cells die slowly but surely, although some long term memory persists and singing is the last thing to go."

The sessions run every Monday afternoon, with a growing group of volunteers who help with the sessions and play live music.

"The sessions are as much for the carers as they are for the people with dementia," Lu continued.

"For a lot of them, it's so difficult and a very lonely experience. Sometimes our groups are the only interaction they get every week."

The sessions take place every Monday afternoon.The sessions take place every Monday afternoon. (Image: Lu Lawrence)

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The most popular song for attendees is Chubby Checker's 1961 hit Let's Twist Again, although attendees are also partial to The Beatles.

For the 63-year-old it has been "the greatest achievement" of her life, describing it as "the most uplifting and rewarding experience possible."

The sessions take place at the synagogue every Monday afternoon and the first session is free.

For more information visit Singing for Memory at SAMS on Facebook.