Inspired by neurologist Oliver Sacks, who detailed the power of music for a range of ailments, Beatie was particularly moved by his accounts of using familiar and personal music to provide that vital "way in" for those living with dementia 

After discovering that her American Grandmother had dementia, Beatie decided on her next visit that she would take her guitar and play to her. The positive effects were immediate. Following this, Beatie was inspired to play to a relative living in a care home in Portugal with advanced dementia. When the Director of the home heard, he asked if Beatie would mind playing to the whole dementia ward of 100+ patients. On this occasion, Beatie’s music was entirely unfamiliar to the residents and there was no lyrical connection to draw upon - as none of the residents spoke English. Beatie was amazed to watch individuals waking up, singing along, clapping and fully engaging with the music and the Director of the care home describing it as “the best he had ever seen the group” in his 10 years there

Returning to the UK with this experience fresh in her mind, Beatie realised that she wanted something more concrete to share than simply a powerful anecdote and decided then to take this further as so began 'Power of Music & Dementia'