Founded in 2017, the Voices in Motion Choir (ViM) helps people with dementia regain memories and foster social connections. 

B次元官网网址淪ocial isolation is linked to elevated stress hormones and inflammation, poor sleep hygiene and immunosuppression B次元官网网址� well-known risk factors for numerous diseases ... and death,B次元官网网址� according to ViM. B次元官网网址淩esearch findings indicate that social isolation poses a health risk comparable to being sedentary or smoking 15 cigarettes per day.B次元官网网址�

To help combat loneliness, and the negative health outcomes it can cause, ViM rehearses every Tuesday and Wednesday to provide people with dementia and their caregivers a fun activity to participate in almost year-round.

B次元官网网址淧eople who wouldnB次元官网网址檛 know each other come together once a week and friendships are formed,B次元官网网址� said Christine Chepyha, ViMB次元官网网址檚 musical director. B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 laughter and thereB次元官网网址檚 positive chatter, and theyB次元官网网址檙e just so thrilled to be together, doing something they all love.B次元官网网址�

The act of singing can also provide health benefits. 

B次元官网网址淪ocial singing helps diminish levels of stress and provides a better regulation of cortisol, which is your stress hormone,B次元官网网址� said Chepyha. B次元官网网址淥ur breathing becomes regulated, our heartbeats become regulated, it encourages certain areas of the brain to engage.B次元官网网址� 

Research also suggests that choral singing can help people with dementia regain memories.   

B次元官网网址淪ocial singing may result in reduced demands on brain function, which can then result in the use of these freed-up resources for ... memory and cognition,B次元官网网址� according to ViM.

This year, the non-profit is looking for "duets" B次元官网网址� a person with dementia and their caregiver B次元官网网址� to join the choir.  

Visit or email voicesinmotionchoirs.org for more information.