Singing in a choir can be a powerful tool for improving the quality of life for individuals living with brain conditions, according to research from the University of Auckland's Centre for Brain Research. The CeleBRation Choir, launched almost two decades ago, has helped stroke survivors and adults with other brain conditions through voice exercises and singing of familiar songs. This approach has proven to be highly effective, as evidenced by the strong link between singing in a choir and self-reported quality of life for people with brain injuries and dementia, which is as high as for community choir members without communication disabilities.
The body works in a similar way during speech and singing, both of which engage the lungs, voice mechanisms, and overlapping brain pathways that are often affected by conditions such as Parkinson's or stroke. Singing in a neurological choir, designed for individuals with acquired brain injuries and neurodegenerative disorders, can reduce social isolation and the sense of loss that often follows diagnosis. It can also help people overcome difficulties with speech, language, voice, and memory.
One of the key benefits of singing is its ability to tap into a person's emotional and autobiographical memory. Songs that people recall from their youth can prompt lively conversations, even if they seldom speak. Group singing can also increase levels of brain chemicals that boost mood, such as oxytocin and endorphins. This can create a sense of connection and upliftment, as singers often leave choir sessions with a smile.
In addition to the emotional benefits, singing can also improve speech clarity and voice quality. People with Parkinson's disease, for example, can struggle to articulate their speech clearly and have difficulty breathing adequately to project their voice. Singing helps them to speak more loudly and clearly, as it engages the same vocal mechanisms and brain pathways. Similarly, stroke survivors can often sing their favorite songs more fluently than they can speak, as singing allows them to practice vocalizing without the pressure of finding the right words.
The CeleBRation Choir's approach is to use well-known and well-loved songs, as this makes singing easier for stroke survivors with aphasia and people with dementia. However, in larger, multi-generational groups with diverse tastes, it can be challenging to pick everyone's favorite songs. Therefore, a varied repertoire is necessary, with songs that offer a blend of challenge and accessibility. Vocables, such as fa la la la la or dooby dooby doo, can also be used to improve speech clarity and voice quality, and to help everyone join in.
The benefits of singing in a neurological choir extend beyond the individual. These choirs offer singers hope, fellowship, and increased confidence. They provide a place to recover lost abilities in an upbeat setting, and they can be particularly helpful for those who have struggled with self-consciousness or fear about singing. No prior singing experience is required, and the sense of camaraderie and give-it-a-go attitude is contagious.
In conclusion, singing in a choir can be a powerful tool for improving the quality of life for individuals living with brain conditions. It can help people overcome difficulties with speech, language, voice, and memory, and it can provide a sense of connection and upliftment. The CeleBRation Choir's approach, which uses well-known and well-loved songs, has proven to be highly effective, and it highlights the potential for music therapy to be a valuable part of the recovery process for those living with brain conditions.
