Cognitive Books launches dementia-friendly series narrated by Bill Nighy

Cognitive Books has launched a series for and by people living with dementia and other cognitive difficulties, in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society, featuring narration from Bill Nighy. 

The first title, Looking Back at… The Beatles, will be published on 15 April 2024. It was written by Cognitive Books founder Matt Singleton and developed in collaboration with the charity The Alzheimer’s Society. An audio version, which will be free to download with every book, is read by Nighy. 

“Looking Back at... The Beatles was first written as a simple story for Matt’s father, Brian, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Dementia in 2017,” the publisher said.  

“As a gerontologist, Matt was concerned that his book-loving father was losing his passion for reading as his cognitive abilities declined. He created a book tailored more closely to his father’s needs about another of his great passions, The Beatles.  

“His father’s reaction encouraged him to share the book with dementia experts, who suggested that he develop the book with the Alzheimer’s Society’s innovation programme, which is helping to transform the dementia landscape with pioneering solutions to bring hope to people living with dementia.”  

Looking Back at... The Beatles is the first in a series of books developed for – and with —  people living with dementia. Looking back at... the 1966 World Cup will be published later in 2024, with further titles planned.  

The looking Back at... series addresses the combination of factors that can cause this, including cognitive issues such as information retention, physical impairment (such as eyesight problems) and other barriers such as enjoying books with others as a shared experience. 

The series will include specifically devised features such as familiar topics and stories, larger print, shorter pages and exercises based on cognitive stimulation therapy as well as resources for carers to encourage shared enjoyment and social interaction. 

Singleton said: “Cognitive Books are about bringing the joy of reading to people living with dementia. After creating these books for Dad, it was eye-opening to see how many people with dementia experience similar difficulties.   

“Working alongside some of those people in the development and testing phase has been crucial and seeing the enjoyment they get from the series is hugely rewarding. We’re so excited to bring them to the wider world so that more people can experience the pleasure of a Cognitive Book.” 

Simon Lord, head of innovation at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Dementia can rob people of the simple things that gave them so much joy, with reading being one of the activities that can prove difficult as the condition progresses.  

“Our collaboration with Cognitive Books as part of the Alzheimer’s Society Accelerator Programme demonstrates the positive impact we can all have when expertise, dedication and a shared vision come together. As one in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime we are committed to developing a product for every person at every stage of the condition.”  

Nighy said: “I was grateful to be given an opportunity to help in any small way with this dreadful condition that afflicts so many of us directly or indirectly. I hope these books can be a valuable addition to the treatment already in place and bring the same satisfaction that they might in normal circumstances. I salute those involved in this project.”  

Professor Gill Livingston, professor of Old Age Psychiatry at University College London (UCL), said: “Most people with dementia can read but there are few books designed specifically for them. Cognitive Books are written for the needs of people with dementia. They have the potential to give pleasure and may help improve social functioning.” 

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