Piloting a choir program for nursing home residents with advanced dementia

Abstract

There is growing evidence that active music making can improve both cognitive and psychosocial functioning in people with mild to moderate dementia but limited research on interventions, specifically choral singing, with advanced dementia. The purpose of this study was to develop and implement a choir for individuals with advanced dementia living in a nursing home, and to assess possible benefits. We explored relationships between choir participation and cognitive functioning, loneliness, depression, and quality of life in residents with advanced dementia in a nursing home facility and participants’ individual perspectives of their experience with choir participation. Twelve residents participated in weekly choir rehearsals which culminated in a concert performance at the end of eight months. Baseline and post-intervention assessments of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, and Dementia Quality of Life Scale were administered. Choir members also participated in post-concert interviews. Thematic analyses of these interviews were conducted. Results showed overall decreases in loneliness, improvement in quality of life, and slowing of cognitive decline. Results did not show overall decreases in depression scores. Thematic analysis of interviews revealed six themes: Friendship, Enjoyment of Music in General, Enjoyment of Choir, Memories, Family, Religion/Spirituality, and Beauty.