Singing has a way of centering you, of washing away worries, of making time stand still. Singing has the power to both spark memories and render them irrelevant all at the same time.

Landis Homes' Sing for the Moment Choir can't cure dementia disorders like Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. But it can help to manage symptoms and make life a little more normal.

"Music just does so much for folks," said Regina Cabezas, Sing for the Moment Choir's coordinator. "It touches (some people) in a place they can't speak about anymore. We know that the part of the brain that's associated with singing and music stays intact for a very long time. (Singing) doesn't change their situations. They might not even remember that moment. But parts of the mind are being stirred for a while. They're singing for that enjoyment."

Landis Homes' Sing for the Moment Choir - an exercise in singing for individuals with memory loss and their care partners - is currently gearing up for its next performance. Practice and rehearsals for Sing for the Moment's spring concert will begin at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Landis Homes' West Bethany Chapel, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz.

The hourlong practices will be conducted each successive Wednesday through April 23 in preparation for Sing for the Moment Choir's spring performance at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, also at the retirement village's West Bethany Chapel. Participation in the choir is open to everyone and not limited to Landis Homes residents.

Registration is not required but encouraged through email at sftm@landis.org or by calling 717-381-3599.

"We talk about socializing," said Cabezas. "It's a place where (the singers) can feel very comfortable. They are just there. Lots of hugs, lots of smiles. It feels safe. They're having a great time. It's their space, but we can be in it."

Sing for the Moment Choir is currently made up of 45 singers, including residents of Landis Homes, residents of Brethren Village Retirement Community, members of the surrounding communities and their caregivers. Many of the songs that will be sung are hymns and old love songs.

"It's also a place for family and friends to get involved with their loved ones," said Cabezas.

She noted that while medications can help to manage the symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer's disease, these conditions have no cures. Through activities such as the choir, family members, friends and others can focus on making daily lives better for people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

"The reality is that the cases of Alzheimer's and dementia are going to grow because people are living longer," said Cabezas. "Families are a huge part of this, just knowing their loved ones are being cared for."

According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 280,000 Pennsylvania residents age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's, or about 11% of the 65-plus population. But there are also many people living with Alzheimer's who haven't been diagnosed.

"People get nervous when they get older and start forgetting things," said Cabezas. "I tell them not to worry, that we all have memory loss. But if you can't find your way home or you don't know how to brush your teeth, you might have dementia. People with dementia might not remember that someone has passed away. We don't try to bring them back to reality. We go to where they are. As we've learned about dementia, we don't go to what makes sense for us."

Sing for the Moment Choir was established in 2018 through the cooperation of Landis Homes employee Faith Hoover and the Alzheimer's Association. Since its inception, the group has performed publicly seven times.

"Just offer (individuals with memory loss) assurance," said Cabezas. "For families with loved ones with memory loss, just being with someone can be special. They want your time. They want your attention. Make them feel comfortable."

For additional information about the Alzheimer's Association, go to http://www.alz.org/pa.