Vicky McClure plans to form a choir of dementia sufferers to help fight the condition.
Vicky McClure
The 35-year-old actress - who starred in the 'This Is England' series - has become passionate about fighting the condition after her beloved grandmother Iris died of dementia in 2015.
She explained: "Iris was an extremely no-nonsense kind of woman and very hard-working, lovely lady.
"She was diagnosed with dementia about five years ago. She had a scream, it went on for such a long time and it was horrible.
"It must have been horrific for her, but all she would do all day was scream and it was really distressing. The only time we found we were on the same page is when we were singing a song.
"Sometimes it would be a nursery rhyme, or something like Doris Day. And she lightened up and she was happy and could join in. It was a great discovery.
"Even if we were singing around her and she wasn't joining in she was calm and she wasn't screaming, she was quite peaceful."
Later this year, Vicky will present a two-part BBC documentary that looks at the relationship between dementia and music, which is supported by scientific research.
The actress is hoping to form a choir of 17 dementia sufferers.
She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "This project is an education piece and a beautiful story.
"I hope someone might get something from it. It might make someone's life easier, people might realise how powerful music is. My nana is going to leave a legacy now and I am really proud of her for that."
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