Sir Alex Ferguson Advocates for Music Therapy in Dementia Care
Every Friday morning at Manchester United's Carrington training ground, Sir Alex Ferguson would cheerfully descend the stairs, often singing one of his favorite songs, sharing a laugh with Kath Phipps, the club's cherished receptionist, and addressing the media about the upcoming match.
While Ferguson himself admits he is not the best singer, music has always played a significant role in his life.
Today, music holds even greater importance for the legendary former United manager, particularly through his increased involvement with dementia charities. He recognizes the positive impact music can have on those affected by the condition, including his brother, Martin, who is experiencing memory loss and other related symptoms.
"My staff would know I was in the building when I came in the morning," Ferguson, 83, shared with BBC Breakfast. "I don’t think they liked it... 'Here he comes, close the doors.' It’s just part of who I am. Singing is ingrained in me, whether I'm in the shower or elsewhere."
Ferguson is speaking about the connection between music and dementia in conjunction with National Playlist Day. He recently met with Mil and Ken Simpson, an elderly couple who are lifelong United supporters. Mil, 89, has been living with dementia since 2010, three years prior to Ferguson's retirement.
Music has been a vital aspect of Mil and Ken's lives, and they regularly attend several groups that offer music, singing, or dance therapy for those impacted by dementia.
Ferguson first expressed his concerns about dementia a year ago, and the overwhelming response has motivated him to dedicate more time to the cause. He is now serving as an ambassador for the Playlist for Life charity.
"It struck a chord with me," he remarked. "I’ve become more involved. Music plays a crucial role for dementia sufferers, and we must continue to promote it. You don’t need to be a great singer; you just need to know the words. It's a wonderful experience."
Ferguson also has personal experience with the effects of dementia. "I have a family situation with my brother," he explained. "It's challenging. I need to stay in touch with him frequently. He recognizes me, but his memory isn’t great. However, he’s stable, which is encouraging."
When asked if dementia is a frequent concern for him, Ferguson affirmed, "It is, because I’m his brother. I’m only a year older than him, and he is important to me. It's always on my mind. I often wonder if I should call him, and I try to do that daily. I encourage him to write things down, but he often forgets."
As he approaches his 84th birthday, Ferguson admits to occasional lapses in memory. "When you reach my age, you start to worry about memory loss. I sometimes forget things, just as I did 20 or 30 years ago. Nobody has a perfect memory. Yet, when it comes to football, memory was always crucial during my managerial days. I now engage in activities like crosswords, singing, and reading to keep my mind active. I’ve taken an interest in history, particularly the American Civil War, and have visited several battlefields in the U.S., which I found fascinating."
Ferguson's wife, Lady Cathy, passed away on October 5, 2023, after nearly 58 years of marriage. "After my wife passed, I found myself spending a lot of time at home," he reflected. "I moved to the countryside, next door to my son, but I realized that merely watching TV wasn't sufficient. I decided to travel, visiting places like Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Bahrain. Engaging with the dementia group has been beneficial for me; it’s something I genuinely enjoy."
Despite his retirement, Ferguson, who won 38 trophies during his 26-year tenure at Old Trafford, remains a regular attendee at United matches. His legacy endures, and he recalls his famous press conferences with clarity. "I always viewed press conferences as one of my challenges because whatever you say is recorded for posterity. After a bad result, there’s always the question: 'What happened?'"