Memory choirs

[Mik]

What a great idea.

https://www.thememorychoir.com/about-the-memory-choir

[Axtremus]

I can see how that may help with reconnecting with old events -- think of old music, recall old memories connected with that old music. I am not sure how that helps with short term memory, which a significant aspect of dementia.

[Mik]

I don't know if you've ever dealt with dementia or not, but I have several times. One of the worst aspects is trying to connect to the person, somehow, anyhow. There is still a lot of them hiding in there, and I've seen them struggle and suffer because they seem to be aware that they can't quite get there. Anything that brings that out is a blessing.

[wtg]

What @Mik said. It's not really about improving memory, it's about finding ways to connect with what memories remain.

[AdagioM]

Amen.

[wtg]

Songs by Heart is the group that used to come to where my Mom was living. They were wonderful.

The founder's story:

https://songsbyheart.org/about/

[AdagioM]

@wtg That’s a great story. I’ve read in many places that dementia patients can sometimes sing, even when they can’t talk. The power of music lies so deeply in memory.

My MIL is in memory care; they have music therapy/singalong on a regular basis. I don’t know if Mom sings or not, but she seems to enjoy it.

I’m planning to go with a small group to sing at a congregation member’s memory care facility in a couple weeks. We’re practicing next week, going the following week. I restrung my guitar in anticipation of this and one other gig in July. (I’m a very rudimentary player; guitar is just meant to keep me singing in key!)