Research suggests that singing and music can have positive effects for people with dementia, which is the premise of "The Dementia Choir" - SVT's new series that starts on April 2. 17 people with some form of dementia form a choir under the direction of Anders Bagge and choir director Sofia Lilja.
The work with the choir is something Bagge has carried with him since filming.
It's a small era in your life that's wonderful to take with you. You've learned so much.
Wife's uncle
Bagge has a personal connection to the disease through his wife Johanna Lind Bagge.
Her uncle had dementia and it's something that has been in the family a lot.
The final goal is a concert in front of an audience at the Södra Teatern in Stockholm, and the series follows the participants' tentative steps as they dare to sing until they begin to take charge, get to know each other and grow as people. At the same time, viewers get to see how the relatives struggle with their role when it comes to the disease, because dementia affects those close to them too.
“Everyone started crying”
In one scene, Bagge gathers the relatives to calm their concerns about the participants' efforts in the program, but also to praise their commitment.
Everyone started crying. It was like they relaxed. One of the strongest moments of my life. It was like all the tears from the sky just flowed down. It was tough.
There was something liberating about daring to talk about how tough it was for the relatives too, says choir leader Sofia Lilja.
In Norway, many choirs for people with dementia have started after a Norwegian version of the series began airing there. Anders Bagge and Sofia Lilja hope for a similar popular movement here as well. Knowledge about dementia is relatively low compared with, for example, cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
And Bagge intends to continue to engage in the subject.
"It's clear that I will continue to be involved in this. It's impossible to let go. Once you get into this wheel, you want it to keep spinning," he says, continuing:
So if Sofia and I can inspire more choirs to be started or maybe give a lecture about our journey within the program, I'll do what's necessary. It feels like it warms my heart.
Facts: Dementia
It is estimated that 130,000–150,000 Swedes live with dementia. Among those aged 65 and over, it is estimated that seven percent have dementia, and among those aged 80 and over, it is estimated that nearly one in five (18 percent) have dementia.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and is estimated to account for more than half of all dementia cases in Sweden. The second most common is vascular dementia, which accounts for about a quarter of dementia cases.
The most common symptoms are forgetfulness, impaired language ability and reduced ability to cope with practical tasks, but also emotional blunting and poor judgment. The latter is especially true in cases of damage to the frontal lobes.
Source: Swedish National Food Agency, National Encyclopedia.
