Dementia is increasingly recognised as a global epidemiological condition, placing it among the foremost contemporary challenges in geriatric care. It causes multifaceted impairments in cognitive function, daily functioning, personal identity, and individual’s social standing. In response to the urgent need for effective non-pharmacological interventions that provide comprehensive support, particularly in the early stages of the disease, music has emerged as a vital therapeutic tool. It facilitates the reconnection of individuals with dementia to their personal identity and serves as a reliable, non-invasive method for fostering social inclusion. Recognising the effectiveness of such interventions, the Athens Alzheimer’s Association initiated a significant collaboration with the Department of music studies at the University of Ioannina. This partnership led to the formation of a choir at the Day Center for people with dementia in Arta. Participants are diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and early-to mid-stage dementia.
The choir meets weekly, with each session lasting approximately 60 minutes. The programme includes vocal warm-up and breathing exercises, open discussions on the origins and meanings of selected songs, and group singing. What distinguishes this initiative is the way music is approached and experienced. Participants do not follow a predetermined repertoire; instead, they play an active and decisive role in selecting songs from their youth and adolescence. Numerous studies show that music, both through listening and active participation, acts as a powerful tool for neurocognitive activation and stimulation. In addition, this initiative aims to foster social connection among participants, encouraging them to build relationships in a safe environment defined by acceptance, respect, and individual dignity.
The choir thus becomes a safe space for self-expression, cognitive stimulation, and emotional empowerment. Preliminary qualitative data from the first three months of the choir’s operation is highly encouraging. Participants reported increased social interaction and improvements in mood and healthcare professionals participating in the initiative also reported improved mood and reduced stress. This initiative lays the foundation for an innovative, creative model of care and cognitive empowerment for individuals with dementia. This emerging model is grounded in empathy, creativity, social engagement, self-expression, and experiential memory. The positive initial findings advocate for the programme’s continuation, expansion, and future evaluation with the goal of establishing a replicable music intervention framework applicable in diverse care settings.
