Diane, Barbara, and Wendy all participate in the Forget Me Not Chorus.
Music has a remarkable ability to reach people living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, often long after other forms of communication become difficult. Melodies, rhythm, and familiar lyrics can spark recognition, ease anxiety, and create moments of joy and connection. Research and lived experience show that music engages multiple areas of the brain, allowing emotional memory to remain accessible even as other abilities change.
I know firsthand the transformative power of music. When my mom, who lived with vascular dementia, would become agitated, I learned that simply playing her beloved big band music could immediately calm her. I could visibly see her begin to relax, start singing along, and drift to a different place and time filled with positive memories. Those moments reminded me that music reaches parts of us that dementia cannot.
For individuals living with memory loss and their caregivers, music can become a shared language. Singing together offers a sense of belonging, strengthens relationships, and creates meaningful connection without pressure or expectation. These moments remind us that a diagnosis does not erase creativity, identity, or the capacity for joy.
Rooted in this understanding, Alzheimer's Resource Alaska is pleased to welcome participants to the Forget Me Not Chorus as it begins its spring session this month. The chorus brings together individuals living with Alzheimer's, related dementias, or memory loss and their care partners in a warm and inclusive environment where participation matters more than performance. No singing experience is needed, only a willingness to be present and engaged through music.
One of the things I love most about the Forget Me Not Chorus is that when you look around the room during a rehearsal or performance, you often cannot tell who is living with the disease, who is the caregiver, and who is the choral volunteer. In that space, everyone is simply a singer, connected through music, dignity, and joy.
One chorus member, Jeanne B., recently shared this with us:
The chorus has been a joy to me as a caregiver, my partner who has dementia, and our choral friend who supports us in coming to rehearsals. This is the third season that we have sung with the chorus, and we look forward to the rehearsals every week. Each one is a guarantee of camaraderie and fun, learning new songs and relearning old ones. And it is a place where everyone is welcomed and accepted. We love to spread the word about the chorus as it brings such wonderful benefits to our community.
The Forget Me Not Chorus offers a supportive space where music helps build community and spark memories while reducing isolation for both participants and caregivers. Members are welcome to join at any point during the seven-week session, which runs through April 3, allowing flexibility as needs and schedules change. Each rehearsal provides an opportunity to connect, create, and enjoy music together in whatever way feels right.
The spring session will culminate in a final concert on April 17. All are welcome to attend and celebrate the courage, joy, and connection shared throughout the season. The chorus is led by music director Mary Schallert and accompanist Cathleen McLaughlin, whose dedication and talent make this meaningful program possible.
Spaces are limited, and advanced registration is encouraged. To register or learn more, please contact Ann Farris at FMNChorus@alzalaska.org or call 907-561-3313. Volunteers are also welcome to assist with the chorus, with a one-hour training provided by Alzheimer's Resource Alaska.
The Forget Me Not Chorus is made possible by the generosity of donors and community supporters such as the Atwood Foundation and the Anchorage South Rotary. As a nonprofit organization, Alzheimer's Resource Alaska supports everyone affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Services are not income-based, and community support through time, talent, and treasure helps ensure that programs like this remain accessible to all.
Through every shared song, the Forget Me Not Chorus offers a powerful reminder that even as memories change, music continues to connect us, bringing comfort, dignity, and joy to those walking the dementia journey together.
Lisa Sauder is the CEO, Alzheimer's Resource Alaska.
