Chorus unites caregivers and loved ones in song

The Forget-Me-Not-Chorus is a musical gathering of people with dementia. They performed at the Anchorage Senior Activities Center June 6. This testimonial is from Jeanne Bussey, who is the caregiver for her partner, Ken Cassity. It was provided by Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska.

I'm here today, accompanied by Ken, my forever partner, and Elaine, our good friend. Today I'm going to talk about the wonders of music.

Ken and I were both lucky to grow up in families enriched by music, so we learned early to appreciate it.

My mother was an accomplished pianist and taught piano to students right in our living room until she was 90 years old. She was curious about all kinds of music and loved playing any music set in front of her, from Beethoven to the Beatles. And of course, my sister and I took piano lessons. And although we didn't always like practicing, I can remember racing my sister to see who could get to the piano first to play it.

Ken also grew up in a home that loved music. His parents and six siblings would sing and play various instruments in their living room. Piano, guitar, banjo, and more. They learned to play and sing with curiosity, improvising and just having fun. This led to lessons later in life, and one sibling teaches music now.

For most of us in this room today, it is fun to sing songs that we have known in the past. For those with memory issues, research shows that familiar favorite melodies and lyrics are stored in parts of their brains untouched by cognitive issues. The key is finding those familiar favorites. Ken remembers his father's favorites, songs like "It's a Long Way to Tipperary."

Research also shows that music can activate almost all the regions and networks in our brains, therefore strengthening neural pathways, cognition, and decreasing stress. I can vouch for the latter...if I am rattled or stressed, listening to music is my go-to stress reliever.

Years ago, Ken started collecting record albums from Value Village and other discount stores. His countless albums range from the Four Seasons, the New Christy Minstrels, the Ventures, John Denver, to classical music and Broadway tunes.

Little did I know just how important and helpful Ken's albums would turn out to be. As we listened to them, I realized that if we started actively singing along with them as well as passively listening to music there would be many positive benefits for both of us: magically improving our moods, increasing our connection, and enhancing recall and cognition.

I started recording his favorites from his albums. We listen and sing to them over breakfast. Oatmeal and music are on the daily menu.

Also, Ann Farris (chorus program manager) sent us recordings of all the songs you are hearing today. Ken and I sing them as we cut up veggies and apples. We sing them around the house. We sing them quietly at the doctor's office while waiting for the doctor to come in (much to the doctor's surprise!). We sing them .... anytime!

Music is a language all its own. It speaks to our hearts and is many times more powerful than words. It energizes us, lifts our spirits, makes us laugh together, and calms our souls. It is a wonderful way for us to connect and singing keeps us totally in the present moment. With each other.

We are so thankful for The Forget-Me-Not Chorus. Every rehearsal is a guarantee of camaraderie, smiles and laughter, and the joy of singing. It's a comfortable place where everyone is welcomed and accepted. And for a couple of hours, "to-do" lists never cross my mind. We are transported by the energy of music to a world of melodies and just plain fun.

The chorus will start up again in the fall. Register by contacting Ann Farris at 907-561-3313 or afarris@alzalaska.org. The fall chorus meets Fridays beginning Oct. 3 through Friday, Nov. 14. The concert will be Friday, Nov. 21 at the Anchorage Senior Activities Center.