How singing in a choir hits the right note for people living with brain conditions
Singing in a choir helps people regain their voice and reduces social isolation and the sense of loss that often follows diagnosis with a brain condition.
The CeleBRation Choir, an initiative of the University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research, has found that singing in a choir can significantly improve the wellbeing and quality of life for people living with brain conditions such as dementia and stroke-related injuries. By participating in the choir, individuals can overcome speech, language, voice, and memory difficulties often associated with these conditions, while also reducing social isolation and feelings of loss.
Singing has been shown to improve lung function, articulation, and breathing, as well as boost mood through the release of mood-enhancing hormones like oxytocin and endorphins. With one in three New Zealanders expected to be affected by a neurological condition in their lifetime, the therapeutic benefits of choir participation are a valuable resource for those impacted by brain conditions.
Brief written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's own syndicated text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
