Sandy Siegel Miller, clinical psychologist and program director of Good Memories Choir, says emerging research shows that singing, in particular singing in a choir, appears to slow the progression of dementia.
The Good Memories Choir, comprising those with early-stage memory loss and their caregivers, performed at the Evanston Public Library Dec. 15.
“Singing brings joy and connection to our members with Alzheimer’s and related dementias,” Miller said. “Even after a 90-minute rehearsal of singing, for members with memory loss, their verbalizations increase, they are sharper, cognitively, and we hear reports from care partners that their mood improves.”
Under the direction of conductor Hannah Dixon McConnell and accompanied by pianist Amy Wurtz, the choir has performed at a variety of community venues throughout the Chicago area this month.
Jill Schacter, library marketing communications coordinator, said the performance is part of efforts to serve those with memory loss that also include the Memory Café and the Dementia Resource Center.
“The Good Memories Choir is a good example of how we can involve those who are memory challenged in the life of the library, and provide a way for them to share their talents with us,” Schacter said.
John Lang of Wilmette sings with his wife Nancy, who suffers from memory loss.
“My wife and I met while singing in a church choir 51 years ago,” Lang said. “We really enjoy singing and being a part of this wonderful group.”
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Organizers say Good Memories is a part of the Sounds Good Choir organization, which has 11 weekly choirs, and 500 older singers across Chicago and Southwest Michigan.
Sounds Good Choir offers adults age 55 and over with the opportunity for music education and performance under the direction of professional artists.
For Regan Burke of Chicago, Good Memories is her first choir.
“Even though I’ve been in the choir for over a year now, I’m still not sure whether rehearsal is at 10 or 10:30, but I show up on the right day every week, and I never forget my songbook,” Burke said.
Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter.