An Intergenerational Choir Formed to Lessen Alzheimer’s Disease Stigma in College Students and Decrease the Social Isolation of People With Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Family Members A Pilot Study
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias
Publication Date
Spring 5-2014
Abstract
The intergenerational choir was formed for the purpose of combating the stigma of Alzheimer's disease in college students, and in that process also lessening the social isolation of people with AD and their family members. The choir was composed of 13 college students and 13 people with AD and a family member. Data from the college students were gathered through semi-structured open-ended questions on attitudes and knowledge about AD, collected at three points in time over 8 weeks of rehearsals. Data were collected from the people with AD and their family members through a focus group and observations over 8 weeks of rehearsals. Results a show a decrease in social isolation for the older choir members, and for the college students: a decrease in negative attitudes, an increase in positive attitudes and themes of - recognizing capabilities, expanded understanding of AD, reduced stigma, and reduced social discomfort.
Recommended Citation
Harris, Phyllis Braudy and Caporella, Cynthia A., "An Intergenerational Choir Formed to Lessen Alzheimer’s Disease Stigma in College Students and Decrease the Social Isolation of People With Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Family Members A Pilot Study" (2014). Sociology. 22.
https://collected.jcu.edu/soc-facpub/22