When Memory Fades Music Remains
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
written by Schae Chapman | Staff Singer
The first time my grandmother struggled to remember my name, something broke inside me. The woman who had sung hymns and lullabies to me as a child was slowly disappearing behind the fog of dementia. It was this deeply personal experience - helping family members navigate Alzheimer's - that drew me to join the Sing For Life Chorus last fall.
What started as a way to honor my family's journey became something far more fulfilling when I was given the opportunity to attend the Giving Voice Conference in May. There, I discovered that dementia doesn't just steal memories - it builds walls. Social walls that isolate individuals and caregivers. Cognitive walls that make daily tasks, planning, and problem-solving feel impossible. But here's what struck me most: music has the power to tear down those walls.
This message and inspiration has transformed how we approach our Sing For Life rehearsals. We've truly embraced the mantra: "There is no wrong in this room." While most ensembles chase perfection, we celebrate people exactly as they are—whether they sing all the lyrics, sing off-key, or simply hum along. We’ve implemented adaptations to our rehearsals such as numbered tabs for easy navigation, large-print lyrics, and a predictable routine to ease occupational needs. These small changes add to the value of making music together accessible and meaningful.
The magic of Sing For Life happens when you witness it firsthand. In our choir, a retired teacher might struggle with today's date but light up singing "You Are My Sunshine." A former engineer who can no longer solve complex problems finds his voice again in familiar melodies. Their caregivers, often exhausted and isolated, discover they're not alone in this journey.
What we experience every week isn't just heartwarming - it's scientifically backed. Research published in Brain: A Journal of Neurology reveals that memories from our youth remain remarkably preserved, even in advanced Alzheimer's. When we sing cherished songs from childhood, we're opening doorways to autobiographical memories that seemed lost forever. The Journal of Music Therapy confirms what our hearts already knew: music therapy creates significant positive changes in emotions and social engagement for people with dementia.
Yet, statistics can't capture the real magic - watching someone's eyes brighten when they sing songs they learned in their youth, or the smiles on a caregiver's face when their loved one squeezes their hand during a cherished lyric in their favorite song.
Every week, I'm reminded that in a world focused on what dementia takes away, Sing For Life celebrates what remains: the power of music to heal, connect, and remind us that every person has a song worth singing.