People with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and their carers, enjoy a singalong at the Hartley Wintney Methodist Church Hall with Barbara Rayner.
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Singing helps keep minds active
By Rebecca Connop PriceOctober 21, 2008
What a glorious feeling - they’re singing for the brain.
Dozens of older people with dementia are benefiting from a new scheme in the News area, which is giving them some much-needed therapy.
The Blackwater Valley branch of the Alzheimer’s Society has teamed up with the Basingstoke branch to start a Singing for the Brain scheme in the News area.
The sessions are therapeutic for people with Alzheimer’s and help to stimulate their minds and bodies.
Participants who go along to the gatherings in Hartley Wintney sing a range of upbeat songs, led by experienced tutor Barbara Rayner.
In addition to the challenge of having to sing tongue twisters, the singers are also tasked with remembering actions.
Dotted throughout the group are members of three local choirs, who have volunteered their time to help keep the singing on track and in tune.
Hart Voices, the Fleet and District Choral Society and the Yateley Choral Society are all involved.
Alzheimer’s disease attacks brain cells. People with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia may experience lapses of memory and have problems finding the right words. As the disease progresses, they may become confused and frequently forget names, places, appointments and recent events. They could also experience mood swings.
Some people become more withdrawn, due either to a loss of confidence or communication problems.
Singing for the Brain groups are designed to make it easier for a sufferer to come out of their shell.
The sessions also help carers to meet and socialise with other people dealing with the stresses caused by the disease.
Since 2003, the groups have been springing up across the south.
Diane Houchin attends the Hartley Wintney sessions on behalf of the Alzheimer's Society.
She has seen at first hand how the lessons have helped people.
“I think music alone uplifts you. Singing for the cared for is stimulating and I have seen it help communication as well,” she said.
She said carers enjoyed the social time as much as they enjoyed the singing.
“Everybody is in the same situation so it makes it easier for them,” she said.
Mrs Rayner, who also runs singing sessions for elderly people’s groups, said Singing for the Brain was good for people’s health. “People are starting to realise how it improves health,” she told Community News.
“That’s good news from the NHS point of view - in terms of fewer trips to the doctor’s and less illness.
“It’s giving people a good quality of life and keeping them alert and sprightly for as long as possible.
“The social interaction is so important too.
“They’re enjoying something that is positive, together with their carers.”
Graham Gillies, of Hart Voices, helped to organise the choir helpers.
About 35 singers from the choirs take part and there are five at each session.
Mr Gillies, who is also a committee member for the Rosefield Court Day Centre in Hartley Wintney, said the singers he had spoken to had all been positive about their experiences.
“All the choir people I have spoken to enjoyed it.
“They realise that it’s beneficial,” he said.
The sessions have also received the support of the Rotary Club of Hart.
The Singing for the Brain group meets on Thursdays at the Methodist Church Hall, in the High Street, Hartley Wintney, from 1.30pm-3pm.
A 12-week course of these sessions started on September 11.
