Harlem Choir Lifts Spirits of Dementia Patients

In Harlem, a new initiative named "The Unforgettables" choir is harnessing the therapeutic benefits of music for individuals experiencing dementia. This unique group comprises people living with various forms of memory loss and their dedicated caregivers.

While a cure for dementia remains elusive, singing offers a significant boost to quality of life. Experts note that music can profoundly engage neurological pathways, combining language with innate musical responses. This engagement is known to improve mood, manage emotions, and alleviate stress for participants.

The choir is a collaborative effort between State Sen. Cordell Cleare's office and the Alzheimer's nonprofit CaringKind. They rehearse weekly, providing a vibrant space for connection and shared experience. Renee Hayes, a caregiver, shared how the energy and camaraderie uplift her and her cousin Anthony, stating, "Sometimes the words won't come, but the melody will definitely get you."

New York State ranks second nationally for projected dementia prevalence, with a disproportionately higher impact on communities of color. Older Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's or other dementias compared to older white Americans. Sen. Cleare emphasized the escalating rates within these communities and the critical need for accessible resources, asserting, "Just because we are losing our memory doesn't mean we can't make new memories." The group rehearses every Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health. They are scheduled to perform a holiday concert on December 12th, offering a future milestone for the choir and its audience.