Thank you for Verbum_Gloriae, Don9of11, CHGiffen, Serviam Scores, Chrism, old hymns and irishtenor!!!!

Using The St. Gregory Hymnal & Catholic Choirbook Treasury
With People Living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia

When Words Become Difficult, Music May Still Reach Them

A person living with Alzheimer’s or dementia may have difficulty remembering names, recent events, or even familiar people. Yet music learned many years ago can sometimes remain remarkably familiar.

For Catholics who grew up singing the traditional hymns of the Church, until the 1970's sacred music can carry memories of childhood, family, Catholic school, Sunday Mass, Christmas, Easter, May processions, Benediction, weddings, funerals, and countless moments of prayer.

The St. Gregory Hymnal & Catholic Choirbook Treasury offers families, caregivers, chaplains, musicians, nursing homes, and memory-care communities a collection of this familiar sacred music.

A Simple Way to Begin

Choose a hymn the person is likely to have known. Begin quietly by singing, playing the melody on a piano or organ, or using a recording.

Do not ask,“Do you remember this?”

Instead, simply begin the music.

Watch for a response. A person may begin humming, moving their lips, tapping a finger, singing a few words, smiling, or becoming noticeably more attentive. Even quiet listening can be meaningful.

Let the Person Lead

There is no need to finish the hymn or sing every verse. If one familiar refrain or verse brings a response, repeat it.

Keep the experience relaxed. This is not a memory test or a music lesson.

If the person begins singing, join them. If they want to stop, stop. If another hymn seems to bring greater recognition, follow that path.

Create a Personal Hymn List

Families can help caregivers identify hymns that were particularly important in the person’s life.

Consider music associated with:

Christmas and Easter
The Blessed Virgin Mary
Benediction and Eucharistic devotion
Catholic school
First Communion and Confirmation
Weddings and family celebrations
Favorite parish hymns
Music the person once sang in a choir
Missa de Angelis

Write down the hymns that produce the strongest response. Over time, this can become that person's own Sacred Music Memory List.

Make It Personal

Whenever possible, have a family member, parish musician, volunteer, or caregiver sing with the person. A polished musical performance is not necessary.

The familiar human voice may be more important than musical perfection.

A short session of ten or fifteen minutes may be enough. The goal is companionship, prayer, recognition, and enjoyment—not accomplishing a particular musical task.

A Resource for Catholic Memory-Care Ministry

Parishes might also use The St. Gregory Hymnal & Catholic Choirbook Treasury to establish a simple ministry bringing familiar Catholic music to parishioners living at home, in assisted-living facilities, or in memory-care communities.

A pianist, organist, cantor, choir member, family member, or parish volunteer can participate.

No elaborate program is required.

Bring the hymnal. Choose a familiar hymn. Sit beside the person. And sing.

The music they have carried with them for a lifetime may still be there.

An Important Note:

Music can provide enjoyment, comfort, social connection, and opportunities for participation, but it is not a cure or substitute for medical care. Individual responses vary, and caregivers should always respect the person's comfort and wishes.

Sometimes, when ordinary conversation becomes difficult, a familiar sacred melody can become another way of saying: “I am here with you.”

www.SacredMusicLibrary.com


The St. Gregory Hymnal and Catholic Choirbook Treasury

For Missa de Angelis: Cantus Ecclesiae for Gregorian Chants is one choice.