An exploratory study of the impact of group singing activities on lucidity, energy, focus, mood and relaxation for persons with dementia and their caregivers

Abstract

BACKGROUND:It is known that persons with dementia (PWD) suffer a variety of difficulties, with increased agitation as well as lowered mood, focus and lucidity being amongst their greatest challenges. Caregivers are also affected and report increased stress levels, as well as lower energy, mood and focus. The aim of the current study was to explore whether engagement in a singing program could result in improvement in these variables for both PWD and Caregivers.METHODS:Stage 1 investigated the impact of a structured singing session, with a verbal quiz functioning as a control activity. Participants were from both community and residential care contexts, the PWD having a diagnosis of mild or moderate dementia, and no significant differences in age between them and their caregivers. Stage 2 explored the effects of musical engagement over a six-week intervention with community-based participants.RESULTS:After the one-off singing session, quantitative positive changes in all PWD (both groups) were found on all four PWD variables from pre- to post-singing session. Further, caregivers' energy levels, mood, and focus were improved from pre- to post-singing session. Note that the quiz control group showed no such benefit. The six weeks of group singing demonstrated that the more regular attendance at the singing group sessions affected the PWD's baseline level of lucidity, mood, and focus, and on the caregivers' baseline relaxation level improved. Though participants were few, reflecting the real world circumstance of the organisations supporting the singing groups, increases in the baseline levels of the variables were detected from session to session, suggesting positive effect. Qualitative data offered supportive insights into the positive experience and powerful impact on PWD and the carers.CONCLUSIONS:This exploratory work indicates the positive potential of using group singing to improve lucidity, mood, focus and to relax for PWD and their carers. Finding a cheap and easy route to improving quality of life for those affected by dementia is essential, and from this preliminary data it seems that singing may offer such a course.