Sing-along time at a memory cafe is a highlight for people dealing with dementia

Music tends to stay with people even as dementia claims other memories. In Vermont, Memory Cafes provide communities for both dementia patients and their caregivers. SCOTT DETROW, HOST: Dementia can cause people to turn inward and become isolated. Their caregivers can feel lonely and stressed as well. A growing number of social support groups are using music to bring joy and connections to those struggling with memory loss and their caregivers as well. Vermont Public's Nina Keck has more. UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: Hey, Jerry. I'm getting your coffee ready. NINA KECK, BYLINE: It's late morning, and the downstairs meeting room at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Chester, Vermont, is filling up. There's an easy banter as couples arrive, grab coffee and settle around a large table. Then Martha Mitchell straps on her guitar. MARTHA MITCHELL: OK, so let's start with a song. Do we want to start with "Peace In Our Hearts," which Diane and John taught us? KECK: The simple song kicks off two hours of music and camaraderie. MITCHELL: It goes like this. (Singing) We're going to... MARTHA MITCHELL AND UNIDENTIFIED PEOPLE: (Singing) ...Walk together arm and arm with peace in our hearts. We're going to walk together... KECK: This monthly gathering is what's known as a memory cafe. They offer support and activities designed for people with dementia and their caregivers. According to the American Music Therapy Association, a growing number are including music. …