The Danish adaptation of The Dementia choir is matching the success of its Norwegian counterpart.
After two seasons of The Dementia Choir on NRK, the popular show has made its way to Denmark, and as with its predecessor, this singing sensation is sweeping the nation.
Pia Johnsen Nielsen, volunteer coordinator for the choir, is thrilled about the series reception.
— Everyone is talking about it, it’s everywhere. Getting a choir here has been an amazing experience.
In addition to spreading joy, Johnsen Nielsen says that singing is a very important tool in the treatment of dementia.
— I had a patient once who needed help to go to the toilet, but who was, quite naturally, reluctant to let me join her. The only way I was allowed to help her was if we sang “Deilig er den himmel blå” together. Then she would let me help her. Music is such a great tool to allow for familiarity and comfort in difficult situations.
Producer of the Norwegian TV series, Ragnhild Seierstad, is happy the series is spreading.
– It was BBC that first produced a version of the Dementia choir, but when we got the series in Norway the it really lit a spark among people around the country. To experience unity through music is really beautiful to see, she says.
Seierstad believes that the series has helped people understand that you shouldn’t underestimate someone with dementia.
– It’ all about human dignity. To work with a series like this is really a unique and special experience, and it’s been a lot more than just work for me. I hope the series will have the same success in Denmark, Seierstad tells.
This article is made for a Norwegian audience, and could be published on NRK.no. NRK writes both international and local news, and has it’s own version of the dementia choir, which has had huge success in the country.