Playlist for Life is encouraging families to send music players to their loved ones.

A charity has revealed the top mp3 players for people with dementia.

Playlist for Life uses music to spark memories in those with living with the condition, helping them relax, manage their symptoms, and connect with friends and family.

The charity is now encouraging relatives of people with dementia to send music players loaded with personal playlists to support their loved ones during the lockdown.

Three mp3 players have been singled out by Playlist for Life as affordable, readily accessible, and, vitally, easy to use.

The players recommended by the charity are the Bush 4GB mp3 Player (£14.99 from Argos), Bush 8GB mp3 Player with display (£29.99 from Argos) and the Solo USB Personal Audio mp3 Player (£66.65 from Kings Access Technology), which was particularly recommended for those with visual impairments.

The recommendations come after Playlist for Life tested each device with a group of 29 people living with their dementia and their carers late last year.

One participant involved in the testing, who cares for their spouse at home, said: “Using the mp3 player completely uplifts her. I use it to get her to walk around the house when she’s struggling with her mobility. The music just gets her going.”

The test results also suggested that removing the burden of setting up technology and encouraging the use of the mp3 player could result in increased use: 92% of participants in the testing listened to their playlist a few times a week, and 28% at least once a day.

Sarah Metcalfe, Playlist for Life chief executive, said: “Lockdown is proving particularly hard for people living with dementia and many families are desperate for ways to support their loved ones.

“We recommend everyone make a playlist of someone’s special tunes, download the playlist onto an mp3 player and post it to their loved one. They can listen at home to manage stress, engage their brain and lift their mood. This is a cheap and easy way to connect with loved ones during a period when physical contact is not possible.”

During lockdown, Playlist for Life has launched a campaign encouraging everyone to connect through music. Advice for family members, carers and anyone looking for more guidance on the benefits of music for those living with dementia can be found on the charity’s website.