A three month study into the effects of music in individuals who have cognitive decline culminated in a choir performance at Uniting Wontama on Friday.
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Residents of the facility were involved in a University of Sydney research study with Speech Pathologist and Higher Degree Research student Penelope Monroe.
Ms Monroe investigated whether regular group singing sessions with the residents would impact the communication skills and quality of life of those with cognitive decline and dementia.
VIDEO: The Uniting Wontama residents study culminated in a performance:
Part of the study involved recording conversations between the residents and people they know well, such as regular care staff, both before and after the singing.
Phil Sutton is an impaired-vision resident who took part in the study with the assistance of a device which read the song lyrics to him.
Mr Sutton said he has dementia and has trouble remembering things but singing seems to "break the problem."
Wontama Service Manager Helen Mobbs said while they don't know the official research results yet, it's clear how much the residents enjoyed themselves.
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