Meet Lindsay, one of the voices that make Sing Out, our dementia-friendly Choir truly special.
Lindsay reads the lyrics and sings the songs in his mind. While dementia has altered parts of his life, his connection to music remains steadfast. His story is a powerful reminder of how music transcends words, offering comfort, connection, and joy in ways that spoken language sometimes cannot.
At Sing Out Choir, we see this magic unfold every week. Music has a profound impact on people living with dementia, lighting up neural pathways that may otherwise seem unreachable. Research consistently shows that music can ignite memories, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function—even in the later stages of dementia. But beyond the science, we witness something even more remarkable: the joy of shared experience.
Music, Memory, and Connection
Music connects. Music heals. Music brings us together. When we sing, we’re not just making music—we’re creating moments of joy, recognition, and belonging.
Singing can reduce stress and promote emotional well-being by lowering levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and increasing the release of endorphins, which improve mood and create a sense of happiness. Music also stimulates memory and cognitive function, activating areas of the brain that may otherwise be dormant due to dementia. For many people, hearing a familiar melody can bring back cherished memories, allowing them to reconnect with their past and loved ones.
Beyond its neurological benefits, being part of a choir fosters friendships and a sense of belonging. Social isolation is a significant challenge for people living with dementia and their carers. Participating in a community choir provides an opportunity for meaningful engagement, reducing feelings of loneliness and strengthening social connections. According to Dementia Australia, music therapy has been shown to improve communication, social interaction, and overall quality of life for people living with dementia. More information on the impact of music and dementia can be found on Dementia Australia’s website.
Lindsay’s Story: Finding Connection Through Song
Lindsay’s story reflects the essence of Sing Out Choir: a place where music continues to unite people, even when words begin to fade. Through song, he maintains his connection with his wife, builds new friendships, and expresses himself in ways that go beyond conversation. An artist and painter, Lindsay understands the power of creative expression—and for him, music is another brushstroke on the canvas of life. His ability to engage with music, even in silence, highlights its deep emotional and cognitive impact.
Sing Out Choir is more than a choir; it’s a lifeline for those living with dementia and their loved ones. Whether you sing out loud or in silence, whether you remember every word or simply feel the rhythm, you are part of something bigger—a community bound by music and memory.
Because when words are lost in the brain, music remains.
Need support or more information about dementia? Visit our page on Dementia and Carer Support
