MILWAUKEE — For the past eight years, the Amazing Grace Chorus has served as an outlet for those living with dementia and their caregivers.

The chorus is an outreach program created by the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute at UW-Health.

What You Need To Know

  • The Amazing Grace Chorus is a community outreach program for those living with dementia and their caregivers 

  • Chorus director Stephanie Houston said music helps with memory, executive thinking and social engagement

  • The chorus is in their 18th season 

Chorus director Stephanie Houston said music is powerful for the brain.

“You see that culmination of how memory, executive thinking, social engagement, all around music are working together and that uplifts mood for many of our individuals,” said Houston. “It helps them to recall information more easily.”

Terry Peetz and his wife Kathy have been a part of the chorus for the past five years. Terry Peetz was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2018.

While his health has declined, Kathy Peetz said the Amazing Grace Chorus has sparked a light inside of him.

“It’s nice,” said Kathy Peetz. “It’s one of the few times I see his real smile.”

Music has always been a part of his life. Since Terry Peetz joined the group, he’s been able to pick up his guitar and play like nothing has changed.

“I can actually remember,” said Terry Peetz. “I don’t remember the songs.”

For the Peetz couple, the chorus makes them feel welcomed and at home.

“People just all know and all get it,” said Kathy Peetz. “It’s a place where you feel like you can be yourself, and I think that’s really important to Terry.”

Houston said the chorus does more than just sing. It also provides support and resources.

The Amazing Grace Chorus has a fall and spring season, which operates around twelve weeks. She said those in the choir learn new songs along with vocalization and movement from music directors.

“Isolation is a causation of memory loss,” said Houston. “So when people are coming together and participating in this chorus we are actually delaying progression of disease when it comes to Alzheimer’s and dementia and that’s so critical.”

To be eligible to join, you must:

  • Have a partner such as a family member, friend or a caregiver who can accompany you
  • Self-report forgetfulness or memory loss
  • Be in the early stage or mid-stage of Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia

The chorus meets in Milwaukee, but there’s a virtual option.

For more information on the Amazing Grace Chorus, click here.

Related Stories