Music Activities for Dementia

Overseen By Aaron Colverson, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco

Must not be taking: Antidepressants

Disqualifiers: Schizophrenia, Severe diabetes, Others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 2 weeks

80 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if musical activities can help people with certain types of dementia feel more socially connected and attentive. Participants will engage in rhythmic tapping exercises, either alone (Solo Rhythm Production) or with a partner (Synchronous Rhythm Production). The trial focuses on individuals diagnosed with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) or Alzheimer's disease (AD) who experience symptoms that disrupt daily life. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative methods to enhance social connection and attention through music.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, individuals with medicated depression to control symptoms are excluded, which might suggest some restrictions. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team.

What prior data suggests that these musical activities are safe for individuals with dementia?

Research has shown that activities involving sensory stimulation, such as rhythm exercises, are generally safe and well-received by people with Alzheimer's disease. Various studies have reported positive patient experiences with these treatments. No major safety issues have emerged with rhythm activities, suggesting that participating in musical rhythm activities is likely safe for individuals with dementia. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about these music-based activities for dementia because they offer a non-drug approach to potentially enhance cognitive and motor functions. Unlike traditional treatments for dementia that primarily rely on medication to manage symptoms, these rhythm production activities engage participants in active music-making, which can stimulate brain areas involved in memory and coordination. The Synchronous Rhythm Production method stands out by involving caregivers in the process, fostering social interaction and potentially improving the emotional well-being of both parties. This innovative approach could open new pathways for dementia care by harnessing the power of music and rhythm.

What evidence suggests that this trial's musical rhythm activities could be effective for improving social attention and connectedness in individuals with dementia?

This trial will compare two rhythm-based activities for individuals with dementia: Solo Rhythm Production and Synchronous Rhythm Production. Studies have shown that rhythmic activities might help with conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD). For example, research indicates that engaging in rhythm-based activities can positively affect brain rhythms and potentially slow the disease's progression. Specifically, noninvasive methods that stimulate brain rhythms have shown benefits in treating neurological disorders, including AD. Additionally, activities with a steady rhythm might improve brain function by reducing disruptions in daily routines, often linked to dementia symptoms. These findings suggest that creating rhythms, such as tapping to music, could support social attention and connectedness in individuals with dementia and their caregivers. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Aaron Colverson, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of California, San Francisco

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with mild to moderate behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) or Alzheimer's Disease, and their caregivers. Participants should be able to engage in musical activities. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria details are not provided.

Inclusion Criteria

Patients: Written informed consent obtained from subject

Caregivers: Written informed consent

I am over 55 and do not have any neurological or psychiatric conditions.

Exclusion Criteria

Patients: Individuals with a score of 2 or higher on the CDR

I have Alzheimer's or a related dementia condition.

Patients: Presence of a condition or abnormality that in the opinion of the Investigator would compromise the safety of the patient or the quality of the data

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in rhythmic musical activities to assess social attention and connectedness

2 weeks

Multiple sessions (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in social attention and connectedness after treatment

4 weeks

Data Analysis

Analysis of collected data including MRI and interview data to evaluate relationships between rhythm production, social attention, and connectedness

Up to 24 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Solo Rhythm Production
• Synchronous Rhythm Production

Trial Overview The study explores whether rhythmic musical activities like solo and synchronous rhythm production can improve social attention and feelings of connectedness in patients with bvFTD or AD, as well as their caregivers.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Synchronous Rhythm Production Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The treatment group will take part in a dyad-based musical rhythm production activity facilitated by a trained musician. This activity will involve two rhythm conditions. The first condition requires tapping along to one pre-recorded audio track composed of an ensemble of Brazilian percussion instruments. The second condition requires tapping along with prerecorded audio tracks of rhythms progressively increasing in difficulty. Participants who indicate proficiency in learning to tap along in both conditions will be able to progress to more complex rhythms. All tapping data will be gathered through a Roland digital hand percussion controller.

Group II: Solo Rhythm Production Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to the control condition will complete the same rhythm conditions to the same recorded audio tracks described in the experimental condition. However, they will not interchange their tapping with their caregiver. They will participate in the rhythm task as a solo producer.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, San Francisco

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,636

Recruited

19,080,000+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials

1,841

Recruited

28,150,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Patients with Major Neurocognitive Disorders (NCD) showed a significant decrease in positive emotional responses to music compared to those with Mild NCD or No NCD, indicating that the severity of cognitive decline negatively impacts emotional engagement with music.

Motor responses, measured through sensorimotor synchronization (SMS), were less precise in Major NCD patients when tapping to a metronome, but improved with live music, highlighting the importance of live performances for enhancing engagement in this group.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of the severity of neurocognitive disorders on emotional and motor responses to music. Hobeika, L., Ghilain, M., Schiaratura, L., et al.[2023]

In a study involving 28 late-stage dementia patients, rhythmic auditory stimulation (with or without music) did not show statistically significant improvements in gait characteristics like cadence, velocity, or stride length compared to no auditory stimulus.

However, observations suggested that using rhythmic auditory stimulation may reduce the assistive burden on caregivers, indicating potential benefits for both patients and caregivers that warrant further investigation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) on gait characteristics of cadence, velocity, and stride length in persons with late stage dementia. Clair, AA., O'Konski, M.[2022]

Sensorimotor synchronization (SMS) remains a relatively well-preserved skill in older adults and those with neurocognitive disorders (NCDs), although tapping speed tends to decrease with age.

Older adults and individuals with NCDs may show lower regularity and precision in synchronizing to slow rhythmic sequences, likely due to the reliance on attention and working memory, which are affected by changes in the brain.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sensorimotor Synchronization in Healthy Aging and Neurocognitive Disorders. von Schnehen, A., Hobeika, L., Huvent-Grelle, D., et al.[2022]

The study involved 58 participants, including young adults, healthy older adults, and older adults with mild dementia, and found that cognitive decline significantly affects timing accuracy in bimanual coordination tasks, such as instrument playing.

Younger adults demonstrated better synchronization and less variability in timing errors compared to older adults, indicating that cognitive processing speed declines with age, which may impact their ability to coordinate movements to rhythmic cues.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Age-Related Changes in Bimanual Instrument Playing with Rhythmic Cueing. Kim, SJ., Cho, SR., Yoo, GE.[2020]

Musical interventions can significantly enhance socio-emotional and cognitive functioning in Alzheimer's patients, especially when their motor skills are engaged, suggesting a non-drug treatment option with potential benefits.

Patients showed better rhythmic movement responses to music compared to a metronome, but their accuracy in synchronizing movements was higher with the metronome, indicating that the type of auditory stimulus and the presence of a musician (live vs. video) can influence engagement and performance.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sensorimotor synchronisation and non-verbal behaviours in Alzheimer's disease: the influence of social and musical contexts. Ghilain, M., Hobeika, L., Schiaratura, L., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 11 patients with Alzheimer's disease, response-related music stimulation led to higher levels of positive participation, such as singing and smiling, in 6 out of the 11 patients compared to general music stimulation.

The findings suggest that incorporating active music response activities could be beneficial in daily programs for patients with Alzheimer's, particularly for enhancing engagement and emotional responses.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of response-related music stimulation versus general music stimulation on positive participation of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Lancioni, GE., Bosco, A., De Caro, MF., et al.[2018]

In a study involving 15 individuals with early to middle-stage Alzheimer's disease, specific musical instruments significantly influenced rhythmic accuracy, with the djembe being the most effective for eliciting responses, indicating its potential therapeutic value.

In a second experiment with 10 individuals in later stages of Alzheimer's, a cappella singing led to the highest participation rates (63%), suggesting that engaging activities like singing can enhance involvement in therapy sessions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Value of musical instruments used by the therapist to elicit responses from individuals in various stages of Alzheimer's disease. Cevasco, AM., Grant, RE.[2019]

In a study involving 28 Alzheimer's patients, playing familiar background music significantly increased positive social behaviors and decreased negative behaviors related to agitation.

The findings suggest that music therapy can enhance overall functioning and well-being in elderly patients with dementia, even during unstructured times.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of background stimulative music on behavior in Alzheimer's patients. Ziv, N., Granot, A., Hai, S., et al.[2019]

A ten-week study involving 85 patients with dementia in a UK hospital showed that weekly music sessions improved patient wellbeing and reduced the prescription of antipsychotic drugs, suggesting a positive impact on care quality.

The effectiveness of music as an intervention was influenced by staff responses and hospital organization, indicating that successful implementation requires supportive environments and engagement from healthcare providers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The role of participatory music making in supporting people with dementia in hospital environments. Daykin, N., Parry, B., Ball, K., et al.[2018]

Music therapy is a valuable tool for individuals with dementia, as it leverages intact long-term musical memory to improve recall and cognitive function, particularly through sung texts.

Combining exercise with music, such as through dance, enhances cognitive abilities and improves balance and gait safety in dementia patients, suggesting a holistic approach to care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Music and exercise as therapeutic resources in dementia]. Kressig, RW.[2023]

In a study involving 89 dementia patients and their caregivers, a 10-week music coaching intervention showed that singing improved working memory in patients with mild dementia and helped maintain executive function in younger patients.

Music listening supported general cognition and quality of life in patients with moderate dementia not caused by Alzheimer's disease, while both interventions reduced depression in patients with mild dementia and Alzheimer's.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical and Demographic Factors Associated with the Cognitive and Emotional Efficacy of Regular Musical Activities in Dementia. Särkämö, T., Laitinen, S., Numminen, A., et al.[2022]

Active music-making interventions have a small but statistically significant positive effect on cognitive functioning in older adults with probable mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia, based on a meta-analysis of 21 studies involving 1472 participants.

The review also found that music-making significantly improves emotional well-being, with effect sizes indicating enhanced quality of life and mood, suggesting that these interventions can be beneficial for both cognitive and emotional health in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of music participation for mild cognitive impairment and dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Dorris, JL., Neely, S., Terhorst, L., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 22 nursing home residents with dementia, playing soothing music during mealtimes for 4 weeks significantly reduced agitation levels, indicating its potential as a non-pharmacological intervention.

The research showed both a cumulative effect over time and a short-term lingering effect on agitation, suggesting that music can have lasting benefits beyond the immediate mealtime context.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of researcher-composed music at mealtime on agitation in nursing home residents with dementia. Ho, SY., Lai, HL., Jeng, SY., et al.[2011]

Citations

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Mozart's rhythm influence on Alzheimer's disease progression ... Behavioral findings demonstrated that MRE had a positive impact on escape latency during the MWM test. It may be that rhythm regulates ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211383525002473

Linkage of circadian rhythm disruptions with Alzheimer's ... Circadian rhythm disruption (CRD) accelerates aging, neurodegeneration, and gut dysbiosis, creating a feedback loop that worsens Alzheimer's disease (AD).

3. news.mit.edu news.mit.edu/2024/evidence-gamma-rhythm-stimulation-can-treat-neurological-disorders-emerging-0118

Evidence that gamma rhythm stimulation can treat ... A growing number of studies are showing beneficial clinical effects from noninvasive stimulation of gamma rhythms in the brain, but clinical ...

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Rest-activity rhythm fragmentation and synchronization are ... In older adults “at risk” for dementia, variability and stability of rest-activity rhythms were associated with reduced cortical thickness.

5. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/music-activities-for-dementia-1b2a7

Music Activities for Dementia Trial Overview The study explores whether rhythmic musical activities like solo and synchronous rhythm production can improve social attention and feelings of ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5836917/

Light, sleep and circadian rhythms in older adults with ... Results of the quantitative study show that individuals with ADRD experienced lower circadian light levels, exhibited lower activity levels and had greater ...

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Sundowning and Circadian Rhythms in Alzheimer's Disease CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that Alzheimer's disease causes disturbances of circadian rhythms and that sundowning is related to a phase delay of body ...