Former conductor Terje Rygh joins Norway’s first dementia band in Malvik

Terje Rygh, a former conductor and trombonist, has joined Norway’s first dementia band in Malvik. The initiative, spearheaded by Bjørn Westgård, was inspired by the NRK program “Demenskoret.” Katarina Lindblad, an associate professor at NTNU, confirms that music therapy can stimulate the brain’s happiness center, the hippocampus. Music fosters a sense of community, enhances personal achievements, and significantly improves the quality of life for dementia patients. Kim Wigaard, conductor of Demenskoret, encourages policymakers to allocate funds for music therapy and choir participation across all age groups.

For years, music was central to Terje’s life until dementia forced him to stop playing. However, he has now rediscovered his trombone and participates in the newly formed dementia band, enjoying his time there. Musicians meet every other Tuesday to jam together, and enthusiasm has grown so much that musicians from Trondheim can also join.

Westgård conceived the idea after seeing a dementia patient play cornet on “Demenskoret.” Practice sessions evoke strong emotions as Terje and his bandmates play through songs without needing to read sheet music, suggesting that musical memory remains intact.

Kim Wigaard praises the Malvik dementia band as an excellent idea, noting that many choir members also play instruments. Lindblad highlights the impact of music on the brain, stating that, while dementia results in brain shrinkage, music therapy has shown to slightly enlarge the hippocampus over time, enhancing happiness.

Wigaard emphasizes the importance of community through music, asserting that choir activities promote joy, dignity, and improved mental function for dementia patients. He stresses that funding music therapy could lead to long-term cost savings for society.