`Singing for the Brain': reflections on the human capacity for music arising from a pilot study of group singing with Alzheimer's patients

Abstract

People with Alzheimer's are able to participate in group singing and some longer-term benefits are perceived by their carers. In a group activity such as Singing for the Brain it is difficult to be certain how the overall effect arises from the interaction of individuals. The data assembled is difficult to submit to clinical testing, relying as it does on the judgement of participants regarding reported recall of the content of sessions on the part of people with Alzheimer's. Further research questions are raised by the success of this project.

Mementos from Boots multisensory boxes – Qualitative evaluation of an intervention for people with dementia: Innovative practice

“…singing or arts projects (Bannan & Montgomery-Smith, 2008). Participants could contribute here regardless of ability and participate at varying levels, depending on how they felt: This inclusiveness is important, as it leads people with dementia to feel part of a group, strengthening relationships and improving mental wellbeing.…”

Is Group Singing Special? Health, Well‐Being and Social Bonds in Community‐Based Adult Education Classes

“…In addition to more clinical applications of group singing, qualitative research indicates that members of community choirs perceive physical health improvements associated with singing in terms of breathing control, posture and stress reduction, along with cognitive stimulation and memory, which may explain the benefits seen in dementia patients (e.g. Bannan & Montgomery-Smith, 2008;Clift & Hancox, 2001Hillman, 2002;Joseph & Southcott, 2014).As well as these physical effects, singing may improve health and well-being psychologically, by encouraging positivity. Quantitative comparison has demonstrated that active group singing yields a greater increase in positive affect and decrease in negative affect compared both to passive listening to music (Kreutz et al, 2003; though see Unwin, Kenny, & Davis, 2002, where although there were no significant differences between singers and listeners, singers did show more robust changes) and discussing positive personal experiences (Kreutz, 2014).…”

“…In addition to more clinical applications of group singing, qualitative research indicates that members of community choirs perceive physical health improvements associated with singing in terms of breathing control, posture and stress reduction, along with cognitive stimulation and memory, which may explain the benefits seen in dementia patients (e.g. Bannan & Montgomery-Smith, 2008;Clift & Hancox, 2001Hillman, 2002;Joseph & Southcott, 2014).…”

Musical Connections: A Descriptive Study of Community-Based Choirs for Persons with Dementia and their Caregivers

“…8, No. 1 • http://dx.doi.org/10.18357/tar81201716810 (Bannan & Montgomery-Smith, 2008;Camic et al, 2013; H. Kivnick, personal communication, March 1, 2016;Unadkat et al, 2016). Some community-based choirs also include other participants such as students, which is beneficial for both students and PwD (Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex, 2017; Alzheimer Society Oxford, 2017; Alzheimer Society Waterloo Wellington, 2016;Harris & Caporella, 2014) because PwD can develop new relationships and students can gain a better understanding of the lived experience of PwD (Harris & Caporella, 2014).…”

“…There is no cure for dementia; however, there are pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions that can improve quality of life through symptom management (ASC, 2015). Non-pharmacological interventions (e.g., music therapy) and staying active can maximize function and independence, reduce behavioural symptoms, reduce caregiver burden, and improve the quality of life for both PwD and caregivers (ASC, 2012;Dayanim, 2009; Hulme, Wright, Crocker, Olubovede, & House, 2010;Maratos, Gold, Wang, & Crawford, 2008;Sampath, Forbes, Barton, & Blake, 2015;Wall & Duffy, 2010).Choral singing is a non-pharmacological intervention that is garnering increased interest due to promising findings from several pilot studies (Bannan & Montgomery-Smith, 2008;Camic, Williams, & Meeten, 2013;Unadkat, Camic, & Vella-Burrows, 2016). Community-based choirs offer PwD and their caregivers an opportunity to engage in meaningful activity that promotes social engagement, physical activity (e.g., respiratory, musculoskeletal), and sensory stimulation (e.g., hearing, vision) * This research was supported by the Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Award, University of Victoria.…”