A few years ago, Brian started playing the banjo-ukelele. He plays it every morning. And on days when he can’t find his words, he loves being able to make “intelligent noises” on his instrument and talk to his dog, Che. He and his wife, Margie, sing in the Voices in Motion choir and when they stopped meeting in person, they joined the chorus online. In this episode, they play music and sing together, and Brian reveals his secrets to finding happiness with dementia. And explains why playing singing in a choir is a better team sport than football.

--------

To see photos, episode transcripts and caregiver resources, go to CalltoMindPodcast.com

Call to Mind is hosted by Debra Sheets, nursing professor and researcher with the Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health at the University of Victoria.

Produced by Jenni Schine (jennischine.com); sound design by David Parfit (davidparfit.com); executive producer, Suzanne Ahearne (UVic.ca).

This four-part podcast series was made possible by the University of Victoria, with funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, The Alzheimer’s Society of BC, Michael Smith Health Research BC, and BC SUPPORT Unit Island Centre.