P4‐329: A chorus for older adults with dementia and their family members: Results of a pilot study

Abstract

Few pleasurable group activities have been developed and tested for people with dementia together with their family members. We recently started a chorus for this population and conducted a pilot study of its benefits. We anticipated that singing and rehearsing together for a performance would provide an opportunity for the group to share a stimulating and social activity, and that the experience would improve the well-being and quality of life of all participants. To our knowledge, there have been no rigorous evaluations of the benefits of this kind of shared musical activity. Dyads consisting of a person with dementia living at home and a family member or friend who would commit to attending 13 weekly rehearsals and performing in a concert were eligible. Quantitative assessments were conducted in person at intake, the midpoint and after the concert. Qualitative assessments included observation by a music therapist and NYU research staff, take-home questionnaires completed after the concert and focus groups. Eleven dyads participated. All but one attended every rehearsal. The majority of people with dementia improved from baseline to follow-up on self-rated quality of life, self-esteem, and communication with their family and friends. The majority of caregivers improved in health-related quality of life and social support. Qualitative results were overwhelmingly positive, with participants reporting the value of being with others in a similar situation and the pleasure they derived from the activity itself. Many caregivers commented on the importance of being intellectually challenged and felt they grew from the experience. People with dementia also enjoyed the opportunity to stretch their abilities and discover they could still learn something new. We now have evidence for the feasibility of the chorus and qualitative evidence of its efficacy. The information obtained by different approaches to data collection supported and enhanced the conclusion that the experience was validating and pleasurable for participants. A larger-scale study to rigorously assess the specific benefits of this kind of activity is warranted. In the future, measures of changes in brain function could shed light on the impactand mechanism of the observed effects and suggest additional areas of related research.