An Intergenerational Choir Formed to Lessen Alzheimer’s Disease Stigma in College Students and Decrease the Social Isolation of People With Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Family Members

Harris, Phyllis Braudy; Caporella, Cynthia Anne

doi:10.1177/1533317513517044

Cited by 55 publications

(74 citation statements)

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“…Qualitative data indicated that all participants enjoyed the experience, college students learned a great deal about AD and had fewer stigmatic beliefs, and the people with dementia and their family members were brought closer together, increasing social cohesion, and reducing their feelings of isolation (Harris and Caporella, 2014).…”

Section: Music Making For People With Dementia Together With People Wmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Unforgettables: a chorus for people with dementia with their family members and friends

Mittelman

Papayannopoulou

2018

Int. Psychogeriatr.

107

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Summary/AbstractOur experience evaluating a museum program for people with dementia together with their family members demonstrated benefits for all participants. We hypothesized that participation in a chorus would also have positive effects, giving them an opportunity to share a stimulating and social activity that could improve their quality of life. We inaugurated a chorus for people with dementia and their family caregivers in 2011, which rehearses and performs regularly. Each person with dementia must be accompanied by a friend or family member and must commit to attending all rehearsals and the concert that ensues. A pilot study included a structured assessment, take home questionnaires and focus groups. Analyses of pre-post scores were conducted; effect size was quantified using Cohen's d. Results showed that quality of life and communication with the other member of the dyad improved (Effect size: Cohen's d between 0.32 and 0.72) for people with dementia; quality of life, social support, communication and self-esteem improved (d between 0.29 and 0.68) for caregivers. Most participants stated that benefits included belonging to a group, having a normal activity together and learning new skills. Participants attended rehearsals in spite of harsh weather conditions. The chorus has been rehearsing and performing together for more than 6 years and contributing to its costs. Results of this pilot study suggest that people in the early to middle stage of dementia and their family members and friends can enjoy and learn from rehearsing and performing in concerts that also engage the wider community. It is essential to conduct additional larger studies of the benefits of participating in a chorus, which may include improved quality of life and social support for all, and reduced cognitive decline among people with dementia. IntroductionArts and culture-based activities are gradually gaining recognition as potentially effective interventions to improve the quality of life of people with dementia (Zeilig et al., 2014). Less attention has been paid to interventions that are designed to also include caregivers, and the effects of these experiences on all participants. The results of our evaluation of Meet Me at MoMA, the MoMA Alzheimer's Project (Mittelman and Epstein, 2008) convinced us of the value of this kind of program and highlighted the desire of people with dementia and their family members to participate in shared experiences in the arts in which they felt welcome, rather than stigmatized because of the illness. We hypothesized that making music together, rehearsing, and giving concerts, might provide even greater benefits than a museum visit, as people with dementia and their family members could work together to create a joyful experience for themselves and for their audience. To test this hypothesis, in 2011 we founded a chorus for people with dementia and their family caregivers, and conducted a pilot study of its effects. The primary purpose of the chorus was to improve the wellbeing of caregivers by...

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Section: Music Making For People With Dementia Together With People Wmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Unforgettables: a chorus for people with dementia with their family members and friends

Mittelman

Papayannopoulou

2018

Int. Psychogeriatr.

107

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“…This support can be crucial in alleviating the social isolation and stress that often occurs among caregivers of PwD. Students that particpated also benefited through interacting with PwD, as the literature suggested (Harris & Caporella, 2014).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…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).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…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).…”

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confidence: 99%

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

Anderson

Sheets

2017

TAR

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This descriptive qualitative study explores the key characteristics, benefits, and lessons learned from community-based choirs consisting of persons with dementia (PwD) and their caregivers based on reports from choir administrators and directors. Although there is growing interest in choirs for PwD, there has been no synthesis of information on these choirs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between December 2016 and February 2017 with six administrators and/or directors of community-based choirs for PwD and their caregivers. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Content analyses indicated that choirs had many similarities in membership (e.g., early to mid-stage dementia), establishing formal sections and harmonies (e.g., soprano, alto, tenor, bass), administration (e.g., leadership, fees), and music programming (e.g., public performance, duration, and length of practice sessions). Benefits of the choir include enjoyment, sense of purpose, empowerment, caregiver support and respite, and increased awareness of dementia by others. In conclusion, this descriptive study suggests that community-based choirs are a cost effective and valuable program that improve quality of life for PwD and caregivers.Keywords: social inclusion; dementia; family caregivers; community choir; intergenerational T he term dementia is used to classify a group of neurocognitive disorders that worsen over time and affect memory, judgement, and behaviour (Alzheimer Society of Canada [ASC], 2017). Current dementia statistics in Canada estimate 564,000 Canadians are affected by the disorder, a number that by 2031 is projected to grow to 937,000 Canadians (ASC, 2016). Dementia has physical, psychological, social, and economic impacts on both the persons with dementia (PwD) and their caregivers and a significant financial impact on the health care system (ASC, 2015;Dassel & Carr, 2016;Dugeon, 2010). 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...

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“…Finally, music programs can include singing or making music (Galbraith et al, 2015). Research suggests intergenerational dementia programs can have positive outcomes for participants such as increased creativity, expression of feelings, social interactions, and self-esteem (Harris & Caporella, 2014, 2018Lokon, Kinney, & Kunkel, 2012;Lokon, Li, & Parajuli, 2017). In addition to these common recreationally based programs, there are also other types of programs such as educational programs that teach young people about dementia (Baker et al, 2018), or mentoring programs in which the older adults support the younger participants in performing activities (Galbraith et al, 2015).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Successful Elements of Intergenerational Dementia Programs: A Scoping Review

Gerritzen

Hull

Verbeek

et al. 2019

Journal of Intergenerational Relationships

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People with dementia often experience social isolation and stigmatization. Research shows that bringing generations together can be mutually beneficial. Although intergenerational dementia programs show promising results, specific successful elements remain unclear. A scoping literature review was performed to compare intergenerational dementia programs and identify successful elements and outcomes. Successful elements included (1) including buddy systems to foster relationship building, (2) dementia education to increase knowledge, positive attitudes and empathy among younger participants, (3) Montessori-based activities, (4) being considerate about activity set-up, (5) analyzing student-reflective journals, and (6) reminiscence programs. These findings can be used to develop successful intergenerational dementia programs. KEYWORDS Dementia; intergenerational programs; intergenerational relationships; aged care; scoping review

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An Intergenerational Choir Formed to Lessen Alzheimer’s Disease Stigma in College Students and Decrease the Social Isolation of People With Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Family Members

Cited by 55 publications

References 50 publications

The Unforgettables: a chorus for people with dementia with their family members and friends

The Unforgettables: a chorus for people with dementia with their family members and friends

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

Successful Elements of Intergenerational Dementia Programs: A Scoping Review

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