When memory starts to fade, a familiar song can still hit home.
In Granite Falls, Minnesota, the Building Bridges Choir is using music to support people living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other forms of memory loss, along with their families and caregivers.
Jan Lerohl, the choir’s music director, said the group offers connection as well as music.
“We have people who maybe lost a spouse, and socialization is important. And we all know the more you sing, it stimulates your memories, it keeps your memories alive,” Lerohl said.
Nearly everyone in the choir has been affected by memory loss, either personally or through a loved one.
Lerohl said she has watched the choir more than double in size over the past decade. Her mother was part of the choir before she died from a form of dementia.
“She enjoyed the fellowship and friendships, even though she was struggling,” Lerohl said.
That sense of fellowship drew Danny and Rosalene Mooney to the group.
“We like singing together, so we enjoy it very much,” Danny Mooney said.
The Mooneys were high school sweethearts and have been married for 62 years. Rosalene Mooney said her husband lives with Parkinson’s disease and some dementia.
“Danny has Parkinson’s and some dementia, so I’m his wife and caregiver,” Rosalene Mooney said.
She said the choir has also helped her.
“It’s been a real good support for me as well. The songs we sing, and that, bring back memories,” Danny Mooney said.
According to the group, research shows musical memories are the last memories to leave, so the choir performs church hymns and patriotic songs at senior living facilities and veterans homes.
“We’ve gotten standing ovations, yes we have,” Lerohl said.
She said the choir gives members “A sense of belonging, that they are important, that they still have something to contribute.”
Lerohl said the group’s bond has grown strong over the years.
“We’re a family. I don’t know how else to describe it. We have become a family. It’s been wonderful over the years to see how they care for one another,” Lerohl said.
The Building Bridges Choir practices every Thursday morning at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Granite Falls.
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