Dementia discos are a hit with Brits in Aberdeen who have Alzheimer’s disease and still enjoy dancing. The award-winning mixer concept, complete with booze, is so popular it's headlining in a bigger ballroom, The Evening Express reported.
The idea behind “Boogie in the Bar” was to offer people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias a relaxed place where they can still boogie to disco music, just like they used to in the good ‘ol days.
In September, residents of Aberdeen will be treated to one of these fun discos at the Beach Ballroom, and everyone is welcome, including those who don’t suffer from a neurodegenerative disease.
“We want people to know Boogie in the Bar is more than just for those with dementia,” said the project’s founder, 64-year-old Anne Duncan. “We welcome everybody who might be lonely at home and would like a nice day out.”
The dementia disco concept came about when Duncan’s husband Bill was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2011, The Sunday Post reported.
Anne Duncan said her husband loved to dance and that inspired her to arrange regular events that other people in similar situations could enjoy.
She approached a local pub, The Foundry Bar in Aberdeen, with the idea of starting up an afternoon disco and they have since been hosting successful events there every third Friday.
“I explained my vision was that there would be brilliant music, alcohol and people from all walks of life,” she said, according to The Sunday Post. “We want to feel normal and mix with everyone. The Foundry staff were dementia-friendly trained, which was great.”
The concept, which has been honored at Scotland’s Dementia Awards, has since bloomed and there are several events currently being held throughout Aberdeen, with the larger Beach Ballroom being the latest venue to host a disco.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.