Dementia choir Miley Cyrus cover challenges misconceptions
Martin Murtagh, who took part in the Dementia NI and Rock Choir collaboration alongside Karen Kerr from Dementia NI
- Published
A decade ago Martin Murtagh noticed something was not right after he found himself leaving items in unusual places and getting lost.
After an Alzheimer's diagnosis he took the decision to get involved with Dementia NI - a local organisation which helps people with the condition.
On Saturday he joined with 12 other members who collaborated with the Rock Choir to record a cover of Miley Cyrus's The Climb, external to mark World Alzheimer's Day
The performance at Ulster University aimed to challenge commonly-held misconceptions about dementia.
'A million things went through my mind'
More than 22,000 people currently live with dementia in Northern Ireland.
"I was almost prepared for the diagnosis as I knew I what I was doing wasn't normal," Mr Murtagh told BBC News NI.
"I was throwing out money and wandering outside, not being able to get home, it was scary."
"There was a million things that went through my head when I was told my diagnosis and even though I was prepared to hear those words I was so shocked at the same time."
The Dementia NI and Rock Choir performing The Climb
The 73-year-old has a family history of Alzheimer's and some of his siblings are also living with the disease.
"Even though I have family members with Alzheimer's, you just never think it will happen to you," he said.
"It's been a long process but taking part in things like the choir has been absolutely brilliant."
"I knew after the first rehearsal that I wanted to be a part of it all - I'm a big believer that music is medicine.
"We chose Miley Cyrus's The Climb because it is a powerful representation of the struggle of dementia and coming out the other end stronger."
'The power of music'
The Climb, which featured on the Hannah Montana movie soundtrack, peaked at number 11 in the UK charts
Karen Kerr, the head of engagement at Dementia NI, said the project was really meaningful for those who took part.
"It is all about the power of music - a little bit of magic happened during rehearsals - they were filled with a lot of joy and a lot of tears," she said.
"The choir is a wonderful example of our members finding joy in the things they loved pre-diagnosis and being part of the wider community."
Dementia NI was founded in 2015 by people living with the illness.
All proceeds from the single will be given to the charity.
"It is a very common misconception that a dementia diagnosis is the end but for many people, it is only the beginning," Ms Kerr said.
"It is just a different journey but one that can be filled with hope and empowerment."
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