sound memories

pre-production

55 million people worldwide are believed to be living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed each year. Neuroscientists have long known that music draws upon brain systems unaffected by dementia. A growing movement of “memory choirs” promises to change the conversation around dementia care. With a new study in its initial phase at Northwestern Medicine, what else will researchers discover about performing in choirs to combat memory loss? Can social singing unlock the potential of a population so often locked away?

The documentary film SOUND MEMORIES follows the team at Northwestern during each phase of their social singing study, which they hope will be the most comprehensive examination of the effects of memory choirs on people with dementia and their caregivers. Through the unique lenses of three choir participants, we experience the crushing effects of memory loss and the life-altering impact of social singing. There’s much to uncover about the power of song and socialization in dementia care. There may be even more to learn from our loved ones facing memory loss about the value of finding joy in the present moment and letting go of what once was.