How singing in a choir hits the right note for people living with brain conditions

For individuals facing brain conditions such as stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, or aphasia, joining a choir can significantly enhance their quality of life. University of Auckland's Centre for Brain Research initiated the CeleBRation Choir nearly two decades ago to aid stroke survivors and those with brain-related conditions through voice exercises and familiar song singing.

This choir has aided participants in overcoming speech, language, voice, and memory challenges. Brain conditions often hinder people's ability to communicate, leading to decreased confidence and social isolation. However, choir participation reduces social isolation and the sense of loss following a diagnosis. The act of singing mirrors speech and singing mechanics, benefiting lung function, voice mechanism, and brain pathways affected by conditions like Parkinson's or stroke.

Singing assists stroke survivors in projecting their voices more clearly and fluently, while those with aphasia can practice vocalizing without the struggle to find the right words. Dementia-affected individuals can tap into emotional and autobiographical memories through songs from their youth, sparking lively conversations even in their limited speech.

Group singing elevates mood-enhancing brain chemicals like oxytocin and endorphins, while decreasing cortisol levels to promote relaxation. Choirs offer meaningful activities, melodic pleasure, motivation, and peer support. Approximately one in three New Zealanders will encounter a neurological condition in their lifetime, necessitating more choirs.

The VOCCAL Handbook, created by the creator of the CeleBRation Choir, provides guidance for establishing neurological choirs. No prior singing skills are necessary for choir membership; individuals, from lifelong singers to those overcoming self-consciousness, experience camaraderie and encouragement. Choosing well-known, beloved songs is crucial for stroke survivors with aphasia and dementia, as it simplifies singing for them.

While selecting everyone's favorite songs can be tricky in large, diverse groups, incorporating vocables and humming can enhance speech clarity and voice quality for everyone involved. Internationally, therapeutic choirs often cater to specific brain conditions like Parkinson's disease, while Aotearoa features more inclusive choirs open to various brain conditions.

Choir participation fosters hope, fellowship, and increased confidence, facilitating the recovery of lost abilities in a joyful environment.