Grosse Pointe Filming

Recently, we spent the day filming in the community of Grosse Pointe, Michigan.

It was here that we were able to step into a rehearsal session at the Grosse Pointe War Memeorial as the Men's Choir from the Senior Men's Club of Grosse Pointe came together as they do each Tuesday to sing and spend time with each other. Many of the gentleman expressed that not only do they enjoy singing, but they enjoy even more the time they get to spend with a group of like minded guys who have found a bond through singing. Gerald Partridge, the choir's director, fully understands the value these sessions have on all of them. "We are all challenged by the songs we choose to sing, some of which have a variety of complex verses. I know this helps us all keep our focus and cognitive levels sharp." We are so appreciative of these men for allowing us to step into their personal time with each other.

Later in the day, we had the oppurtunity to stop by the home of Denise Robison Mullen to document a banjo lesson being taught by Levi Henson from the Grossse Pointe Music Academy. Denise, 79, exudes positive attitude and is a highly educated lady who lost her first husband of 44 years to Alzheimer's. She feels that learning to play the banjo will challenge her brain in new ways that will help her develop new synapses. All reaserch points exactly in this direction, that learning something totally new and out of your comfort zone is the ideal way to a healthy cognitive future as we age. "My long term goal is to be able to play songs for my grand kids and possibly join Steve Martin on stage," she says as she laughs.

Levi, who has been teaching banjo for 14 years, explained that banjo playing takes a great deal of concentration and discipline. "Our lessons are as much about learning to play as it is to have a good time."

As Denise sat on park a bench taking in the view of Lake St. Clair with her new husband, Frank, you know that she is doing all she can to stay healthy, both phyoscially as well as mentally.

We are so thankful for these Grosse Pointe community members for allowing us to step into their lives.

To learn more about how you can support this very important film, please go to: http://ontodaysfrontlines.com/alzheimers/