Coming to terms with a dementia diagnosis hasn’t been easy for Newcastle man Bryan Dunn.
Mr Dunn, a social worker by profession, with a passion for helping people, was forced to leave his job about 18 months ago when he received his diagnosis.
His wife, Marie Dunn, said the diagnosis “shatters you.”
“We were definitely in a state of shock,” she said.
But a local dementia choir known as The Unforgettables has supported the couple and helped them navigate Mr Dunn’s diagnosis.
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The choir’s approximately forty members meet every Saturday afternoon in Newcastle’s CBD.
The goal is to offer participants and their caregivers a creative outlet, support and social connection.
‘The unforgettable moments’
The choir was founded in August last year after Associate Professor Helen English from the University of Newcastle discovered the need for the service through a close friend.
“She said her mother loved being in choirs, but she was developing dementia and she could no longer really work with a regular choir,” Ms English said.
“She said, ‘Helen, you have to form a choir,’ and I thought, ‘Well, actually, I can do that.’”
Dr. English says music is one of the strongest triggers for memory. (ABC Newcastle: Keely Johnson)
Dr. English enlisted the support of Michelle Kelly, associate professor of clinical psychology.
Dr. Kelly’s area of expertise was improving the lives of older adults, both with and without dementia.
“This was an opportunity for both the person with dementia and their caregiver, where they could come along and be part of something beyond dementia,” said Dr. Kelly.
“It’s a place where they can really get support from others who are going through something similar.”
Dr. Kelly says the choir helps caregivers by connecting them with others who understand their situation. (ABC Newcastle: Keely Johnson)
The power of music
It is estimated that 421,000 Australians are living with dementia, with this number expected to grow to more than 812,500 over the next three decades, according to Dementia Australia.
Dementia is a brain disorder that gradually affects thinking, behavior and the ability to perform everyday tasks.
Dr. English said music was one of the strongest triggers for memory – another reason why choir was beneficial for people with the condition.
“When certain music is played, it can bring back a time or memory,” she said.
“It’s very powerful for anyone, but it can also be powerful to watch with someone with dementia because you didn’t know they could access that memory.”
The Unforgettables meet every Saturday afternoon in Newcastle. (ABC Newcastle: Keely Johnson)
Dr. English said music can also help people with dementia access emotions.
“Music evokes emotions… and those emotions can be related to a song that a couple sang together,” she said.
“Sometimes you see a couple looking at each other, and the caregiver or partner says the words, and they experience that moment together.
“Being in the moment is important when you have dementia.”
Gwynne Travis-Varnes says caring for a person with dementia can take a lot of time. (ABC Newcastle: Keely Johnson)
Support, social connection
Gwynne Travis-Varnes and George Varnes have been with the choir since its inception.
The number of Australians with dementia is expected to more than double by 2058
Eight years ago, Mr Varnes was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, which affects how he acts and communicates.
But Ms Travis-Varnes said the choir had a positive impact.
“When we first came over, George didn’t sing,” she said.
“But because we’ve just stuck with it and stayed with it, he’s singing and he’s getting used to the songs.”
For Bryan Dunn, attending the choir was a joy.
“Coming here has an effect on my need for emotional contact, which cheers you up,” he said.
“And I love music… especially the emotional impact it can have on you.”
Music therapist Stephanie Tuyl conducts the choir. (ABC Newcastle: Keely Johnson)
As his carer, Ms Dunn said it was helpful to see how others were coping with dementia.
“It was a real eye-opener and a privilege to see them and their caregivers, who are so generous and so helpful,” she said.
Ms Travis-Varnes said she also benefited from connecting with other carers.
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“None of us dealing with this have asked for it or asked about it – it is a dreaded disease,” she said.
“But (the carers) all know what it is about, we exchange ideas and hear more about services that are available and that is useful.”
Dr. English said there was a demand for more dementia choirs in the Hunter and they hoped to expand the service in the future, starting with Lake Macquarie.