Understanding the psychosocial benefits of a dementia choir

The benefits of choir singing for people and carers living with dementia will be under the microscope thanks to a new research project.

Community and Oral Health Consumer and Community Partnerships Manager Claire Harrison said they were measuring the benefits of the Bright ‘N’ Sparks Dementia Choir to attendees.

“With nearly half a million people in the country living with dementia, the personal impact on individuals and their families, partners and carers can be very high,” Claire said.

“Dementia can happen to anybody, but the risk increases with age with almost one person in 10 aged over 65 and three in 10 over 85 years suffering dementia in Australia.

“Music can be very therapeutic, and good for speech, memory and socialising.”

As part of the new research project, which begins in 2025, Metro North Health is collaborating with the University of Queensland and Griffith University to analyse the first-ever dementia choir in north Brisbane.

“The introduction of the Bright ‘N’ Sparks Choir in early 2024 has given members the opportunity for social interaction in a safe and supported space,” Claire said.

“It is improving quality of life and wellbeing in people living with dementia and their carers, and reducing isolation and depression.

“It is helping to reduce the loneliness experienced by carers of people living with dementia.”

For 92-year-old Neil Begley and his wife Belinda, the Bright ‘N’ Sparks Choir is having a lasting and positive effect on both their lives.

“While I am here singing with the choir, I take great pleasure in just listening to the voices and people singing around me,” Neil said.

“When I was younger, I was quite a good singer, but let’s face it, I am 90-plus years old now.

“It is great to meet people. I enjoy every Friday, but only on the condition that Belinda is with me. I would not be able to attend on my own.

“I have really missed not being able to sing with a choir, so when my wife saw the article about a dementia choir starting up on the northside, I jumped at the chance to join it.

“I’m enjoying it immensely. It is just wonderful.”

As Neil’s carer, Belinda said supporting someone who experiences dementia was not easy.

“Neil loves to sing, and he enjoys the socialising and mingling with people, so being part of the choir is so important,” Belinda said.

“There is a tendency to not do as much socialising as it can be stressful for carers.

“While I am not a singer, never have been, it is actually good fun. All the carers are benefiting from the socialising, it is spirit building.”

The Brighton Wellness Hub runs the Bright ‘N’ Sparks Choir for carers and people living with dementia on Brisbane’s northside.

The research project will evaluate the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of the choir, in relation to psychosocial outcomes for attendees.