Harlem Memory Choir Launched for Dementia Care
A new weekly musical program in Harlem supports individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
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The Unforgettables memory choir held its first rehearsal in Harlem to provide musical support for individuals with dementia. The program, which meets weekly at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health, is designed to foster connection for participants and their families.
Why it matters
The program aims to provide therapeutic benefits for those with memory loss, including a reduction in depressive symptoms and restlessness. It also serves as a source of improved sleep and emotional connection for both patients and their caregivers.
This music therapy initiative was launched as part of the Remembering Harlem initiative. While therapeutic musical programs are recognized for their potential to alleviate dementia-related behavioral symptoms, the specific health outcomes of this cohort are yet to be established.
The players
Terrance Kennedy
The director leading the weekly choir sessions for memory care participants.
Cordell Cleare
The New York State Senator who spearheaded the program as part of the Remembering Harlem initiative.
CaringKind
A caregiving organization that partnered to launch this specific dementia support program.
The details
The choir utilizes music therapy to facilitate cognitive and emotional engagement for people living with dementia. By gathering participants weekly to sing, the program seeks to stimulate neural pathways through song, which may help stabilize mood and improve daily restlessness. This communal approach provides a structured environment for social connection, addressing common caregiver stressors while supporting the well-being of the patients themselves.
Timeline
September 24, 2026: The choir held its first rehearsal.
Health Landscape
This program aligns with the Remembering Harlem initiative, which prioritizes the expansion of community-based health resources in New York City. It reflects a growing trend of integrating non-pharmacological therapies into standard dementia care to address behavioral and emotional symptoms.
If you are caring for a loved one with memory loss, consider discussing the benefits of music therapy and local social support groups with their primary care physician. These programs can be a valuable addition to a care plan aimed at managing behavioral changes and improving quality of life.
The takeaway
Music therapy programs like The Unforgettables offer a non-invasive way to manage common symptoms of dementia such as restlessness and mood fluctuations. Speak with a doctor or a local aging-services agency about whether group-based therapeutic activities could benefit your loved one.
Further reading
To learn more about local support structures, visit Alzheimer’s.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC7 New York.
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