Making meaning through connections for people with Alzheimer's or associated dementia and their care partners: Creating engagement

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease or other associated dementias (AD/OAD) is associated with social isolation for both the individual living with the disease as well as their care partners. Addressing the impact of stigma and social isolation for these individuals is imperative. Few meaningful activity opportunities exist for mutual engagement. Music has been shown to benefit cognitive processing and quality of life for individuals living with AD/OAD (Cooke, Moyle, Shum, Harrison, & Murfield, 2010). This study explores experiences of individuals living with AD/OAD, their care partners, and choral volunteers, in a formal chorus program; aims include: 1. To explore the experience of individuals living with AD/OAD, their care partners, and volunteers participating in a formal chorus; 2. To explore perceived benefits of choral group participation during rehearsals as well as in life outside of rehearsal.MethodResearch participants included the individuals with AD/OAD (n=5); their care partners (n=5); and chorus volunteers (n=8) in a chorus program in a small community in the Midwest. The participants attended the chorus program consisting of 16‐week sessions including rehearsal, social interaction and concert performance. Survey questions include items about ability to participate in choral activities, social aspects of the chorus, participation in activities outside of choral activities, and perception of socialization since becoming a member in the chorus. Research data will be collected at two time points: 1. Day one of the chorus season and 2. The final day for each chorus season.ResultLongitudinal data will be analyzed by the research team using descriptive and correlational statistics as well as descriptive content analysis of qualitative data.ConclusionFindings will provide information about the ability of individuals living with AD/OAD to participate in this social and music‐related program as well as any benefits of participation in choral activities for both the individual living with AD/OAD and their care partner.