Understanding the Experience of Group Singing for Couples Where One Partner Has a Diagnosis of Dementia

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

“…The PwD find enjoyment in participation, mental and social engagment, and a sense of purpose. These findings fit well with the literature (Bannan & Montgomery-Smith, 2008;Camic et al, 2013;Unadkat et al, 2016). The benefits that caregivers experience such as social support and enjoyment also fit well with what has been found previously in the literature (Camic et al, 2013;Unadkat et al, 2016).…”

“…This descriptive pilot study adds to a small but growing body of research literature on communitybased choirs for PwD (Bannan & Montgomery-Smith, 2008;Camic, Williams, & Meeten, 2013;Harris & Caporella, 2014;Unadkat, Camic, & Vella-Burrows, 2016). Our interviews identified many similarities in membership (e.g., early to mid-stage dementia), establishing formal sections and harmonies (e.g., soprano, alto, tenor, or bass), administration (e.g., leadership, fees), and music programming (e.g., public performance, practice sessions).…”

“…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.…”

“…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) (Bannan & Montgomery-Smith, 2008;Camic et al, 2013;H.…”

“…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) (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).…”