A research paper on group music reminiscence therapy for dementia patients, co-authored by Mr Kenny Lim from the Faculty of Communications and Creative Industries (FCCI), has been recognised as one of the most-viewed publications in Aging Medicine on the global scientific publishing platform Wiley. The study, titled ‘The Effectiveness of Group Music Reminiscence Therapy for People Thriving With Dementia: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials’, highlights how a familiar song can unlock memories, ease anxiety, and restore a sense of self for the growing number of patients living with the condition.
Mr Lim entered this field unexpectedly after an invitation from his close friend, neuropsychologist Dr Yap Kah Hui, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine at Universiti Malaya. While initially hesitant due to limited experience in formal dementia care, he was drawn to the project by its unique focus on live music as a therapeutic medium. The study ultimately grew into a cross-institutional collaboration that brought together specialists from Universiti Malaya, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Nanyang Technological University, HELP University, TAR UMT, and Wheaton College in the US, allowing Mr Lim to apply his distinct perspective as a live performance practitioner.
Mr Kenny Lim (right) Dr Yap (left)
The therapy itself uses music as an intervention to invoke memories and emotions, systematically improving the mood and quality of life for dementia patients. Unlike solitary listening, this approach relies on a shared group environment to foster social and emotional connections. Mr Lim strongly advocates for live music over pre-recorded alternatives, noting that live performances introduce a profound sense of community presence and engagement. The real-world impact of this method was clearly demonstrated during a session where an animated patient sang along, later showing a sustained improvement in mood at home after the performance had concluded.
This research holds crucial relevance as Malaysians are ageing rapidly. The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2025 by the Ministry of Health (MOH) found that 10 per cent of Malaysians aged 60 years and above are now living with dementia. This represents a significant increase from the 8.5 per cent prevalence of probable dementia among older persons recorded in NHMS 2018. With a population that is projected to reach ageing nation status within this decade, the demand for effective, affordable, and humane dementia care interventions will only grow.
Applying music reminiscence therapy locally requires careful cultural design, as Malaysia's diverse musical heritage means songs must be intentionally tailored to trigger accurate personal nostalgia across different communities. While the research team has successfully partnered with the Malaysia Dementia Association, broader adoption in local care facilities faces significant barriers in securing funding for live sessions and raising institutional awareness about music-based therapies.
Mr Kenny Lim (leftmost) with other musicians who are part of the research project.
The high viewership ranking on Wiley ultimately serves as a global signal that researchers, clinicians, and caregivers worldwide are actively searching for non-invasive, low-cost, and dignified healthcare interventions. For the collaborative team, this widespread international interest provides strong encouragement to continue bridging arts and medicine to deliver measurable clinical benefits.
