Sir Alex Ferguson shared a deeply moving experience this week when he joined in a dance with a Manchester United fan living with dementia during a charitable gathering.

The 83-year-old was in Cheshire representing Playlist for Life, an organization that uses personalised music to help those with dementia reconnect with memories and emotion.

The former Manchester United manager, who stepped away from the role in 2013 after a hugely successful career, attended a National Playlist Day event.

There, a woman named Mil, supported by her partner Ken, recognised him instantly when one of her favourite songs began to play. She reached out to him, they swayed together, and shared laughter as familiar music evoked something deep.

Music ignites moments of recognition and joy

A video of the dance, featured during a BBC Breakfast segment and shared on the charity's TikTok, quickly drew attention across social media. It showed how hearing a beloved track can trigger unexpected moments of connection-even when someone has dementia that otherwise limits responses.

'I did it My Way' 🎵

On #BBCBreakfast Sir Alex Ferguson sang along to one of his favourites as he spoke about the benefits music can have for those living with dementia as part of his role as an ambassador for the Playlist for Life charityhttps://t.co/Yb8r7Gs02R pic.twitter.com/de2NIaKmHy

— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) September 19, 2025

Afterward, Ferguson spoke of how special the moment was. "When the music came on it just sparked her enthusiasm to join in and start singing," he reflected. "With that type of dementia you don't expect that kind of response... but she was up and dancing with such a positive reaction to the music, so that was really a special moment." He noted that Mil is approaching her 90th birthday and that despite her condition she "hasn't lost her vigour for life."

Ferguson emphasised that personal playlists are more than just entertainment-they're tools that allow spouses, carers, and family members to support loved ones, even when they can't physically be present. He called dementia "a major modernday issue that needs more support," stressing urgency for more awareness and resources.

The exmanager, who lost his wife Lady Cathy last year, has become more involved in dementia charities. He also spoke about family connections, including his brother's own struggle, which has made supporting others facing dementia especially meaningful to him.