For dementia partipicants who light up at the sound of music, we can harness that joy to create meaningful, engaging activities that support cognitive function, sensory stimulation, and emotional connection. One simple yet powerful method is matching music and dances—a Montessori-inspired approach that honors dignity, choice, and preserved abilities.

Matching is a familiar, low-pressure activity that taps into recognition rather than recall. For people living with dementia, this means:

• Success is achievable at many stages of cognitive change.
• It stimulates attention and visual discrimination.
• It can spark memories and conversation, especially when the items are personally meaningful.Music-Themed Matching Ideas