AQW 49380/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 23/06/2026
Answered On Date: 16/07/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether any consideration has been given to expanding access to non-pharmacological interventions, including music-based activities, reminiscence therapy and other evidence-based approaches, for people living with dementia.

Answer:

A range of organisations across Northern Ireland provide non-pharmacological interventions for people living with dementia, including music therapy, reminiscence programmes and cognitive stimulation therapy. These supports are delivered through a combination of Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust services, as well as voluntary and community sector organisations such as the Alzheimer’s Society, Age NI, and local community groups.

HSC Trusts typically provide structured interventions, through memory services and day services. Voluntary organisations complement this provision by offering community-based supports such as music therapy sessions, reminiscence groups and peer support programmes, often delivered in partnership with local councils and community.

Due to the current financial savings that are required there are no immediate plans to expand these non-pharmaceutical interventions. However, I remain committed to identifying additional funding across health and social care, including dementia services, wherever possible