The Impact and Perception of Choral Engagement Before and After Individuals Have Acquired Alzheimer\u27s Disease: A Self-Reported, Qualitative Study

Purpose: Music therapy provides multiple benefits to emotional well-being, agitated behaviors, and even cardiovascular health, and is provided to a wide scope of individuals, including Alzheimer\u27s patients. Persons with Alzheimer\u27s that have used music therapy methods have expressed psychosocial, emotional, physical, and cognitive benefits from treatment sessions. This research project gathers self-reported data from individuals with Alzheimer\u27s dementia or other associated dementias (AD/OAD) on their experiences with a weekly chorus practice to explore the effectiveness of choral experience as a therapy approach. Our research questions are: 1.) How is chorus experience beneficial for individuals with PWA? 2.) Are there any reported differences before and after having Alzheimer\u27s? Methods: Research participants include individuals with AD/OAD in a choral program from a rural community in the Midwest. Participants attended the chorus for rehearsal, social interaction, and concert performance. Survey questions include items about ability to participate in choral activities, social aspects of the chorus, participation in activities outside of choral activities, and perception of socialization since becoming a member in the chorus. Data will be analyzed by the research team using descriptive and correlational statistics as well as descriptive content analysis of qualitative data. Results: The data collection is on-going. Findings will provide information about the ability of individuals living with AD/OAD to participate in a social and music-related program as well as any benefits of participation in choral activities for both the individual living with AD/OAD and their care partner