Music Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Joanne V Loewy

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Disqualifiers: Other dementia, Stroke, Epilepsy, Major psychiatric disorder, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 52

Duration: 6 months

100 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study compares different music therapy (MT) experiences and their impact on memory and language in patients with Alzheimer's disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment. The 12-month study will assess the role of common experiences involving familiar music and other pleasant events (blinded control) to benefit cognition and measure the quality of life for people with Alzheimer's disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment. Following screening, all participants will meet with a licensed music therapist at the first study visit. Thereafter, each group will have an individualized schedule of follow-up telephone calls and visits. Screening for the study and participation in the study intervention can be completed in-person or from your home, if you do not live in the area.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Music Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease?

Research suggests that music therapy can improve the quality of life for Alzheimer's patients by enhancing mood, communication, and social interaction. It may also help reduce the need for certain medications and support cognitive and motor functions. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How is the H3S music therapy treatment different from other treatments for Alzheimer's disease?

The H3S music therapy treatment is unique because it involves home-based, supervised singing sessions tailored to each individual, which can improve mood, social interaction, and cognitive functions without relying on medication. Unlike standard drug treatments, this therapy leverages the preserved musical memory in Alzheimer's patients to enhance their quality of life and reduce the need for tranquilizers and hypnotics. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Research Team

Joanne V Loewy

Principal Investigator

Mount Sinai Beth Israel

Mary Sano, PhD

Principal Investigator

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking individuals with Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment who have a study partner and can use a webcam or smartphone. They must be able to communicate verbally, live in the community, and not have significant health issues that could interfere with the study.

Inclusion Criteria

You have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment.

Must have study partner

Must be English speaking

Exclusion Criteria

Likely Alzheimer's disease in someone with Down syndrome.

You have had a major stroke that caused lasting problems.

You have had epilepsy, a specific type of brain problem, or a head injury within the past two years.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person or remote)

Baseline Assessment

Participants undergo baseline testing including cognitive and linguistic analyses

1-2 weeks

1 visit (in-person or remote)

Treatment

Participants receive music therapy interventions, with contact up to twice per week for the first six months

6 months

Up to 48 visits (in-person or remote)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for cognitive testing and medical review every three months

6 months

2 visits (in-person or remote)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Attention Control (AtCon)
• Home-based MT through Supervised, Supported Singing (H3S)
• Individualized Music Therapy (IMT)

Trial Overview The study compares home-based music therapy through singing (H3S), individualized music therapy (IMT), and an attention control group involving pleasant events without music. It aims to see how these affect memory, language, and quality of life over 12 months.

Participant Groups

Group I: Home-based MT through Supervised, Supported Singing (H3S) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Treatment arm 1

Group II: H3S and IMT Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Treatment arm 2 received both Home-based Supervised, Supported Singing (H3S) and Individualized Music Therapy (IMT)

Group III: Attention Control (AtCon) Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Comparison condition with comparable attention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Lead Sponsor

Trials

933

Recruited

579,000+

Findings from Research

Active music-making can serve as an effective therapy for Alzheimer's patients, helping to maintain cognitive functions and improve quality of life through social interaction and self-expression.

Music therapy may reduce the need for tranquilizers and hypnotics, promoting mood improvement and enhancing mental processes, suggesting it could be a valuable part of rehabilitation strategies for Alzheimer's patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Alzheimer's disease: rhythm, timing and music as therapy. Aldridge, D.[2022]

Research is needed to understand how music therapy can impact the behavior of elderly Alzheimer's patients, focusing on both immediate and long-term effects.

The Music Therapy Assessment Tool (MTAT) has shown promising reliability in preliminary tests, making it a valuable tool for evaluating the effects of music therapy in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The music therapy assessment tool in Alzheimer's patients. Glynn, NJ.[2019]

In a study involving 41 mild Alzheimer's disease patients over 6 months, music therapy (MT) did not show significant overall cognitive benefits compared to a control group, but it did improve performance in the abstraction domain of cognitive abilities.

The findings suggest that while MT may not enhance global cognition or daily functioning, it can serve as a valuable supplementary treatment for specific cognitive aspects in Alzheimer's patients under pharmacological care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adjunct effect of music therapy on cognition in Alzheimer's disease in Taiwan: a pilot study. Li, CH., Liu, CK., Yang, YH., et al.[2020]

In a study involving seven participants, including six with probable Alzheimer's disease, exercise sessions led to significantly more purposeful responses compared to sing-along sessions, suggesting that physical activity may engage dementia patients more effectively.

Individual differences in responses were noted, with one participant showing low exercise participation but similar singing scores to others, highlighting the need for tailored approaches in music therapy for dementia patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effect of Therapist and Activity Characteristics on the Purposeful Responses of Probable Alzheimer's Disease Participants. Groene, II.[2019]

This study is evaluating the effects of music therapy on brain plasticity, mood, and cognition in 135 participants with mild Alzheimer's Disease or mild cognitive impairment over a 12-month period, using rigorous methods like MRI to measure outcomes.

The trial aims to provide high-quality evidence on the effectiveness of music therapy compared to physical activity and no intervention, addressing a significant gap in research regarding non-pharmacological treatments for Alzheimer's Disease.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Study protocol for the Alzheimer and music therapy study: An RCT to compare the efficacy of music therapy and physical activity on brain plasticity, depressive symptoms, and cognitive decline, in a population with and at risk for Alzheimer's disease. Flo, BK., Matziorinis, AM., Skouras, S., et al.[2022]

The online home-based music intervention (MI) for people living with dementia (PwD) and their caregivers has been well-received and effectively delivered across five countries, indicating its feasibility and acceptance.

MI, guided by music therapists, empowers caregivers to use music in daily routines, potentially enhancing the health and quality of life for both caregivers and PwD, while also fostering therapeutic change.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The HOMESIDE Music Intervention: A Training Protocol for Family Carers of People Living with Dementia. Odell-Miller, H., Blauth, L., Bloska, J., et al.[2022]

Music therapy can provide therapeutic benefits for patients with Alzheimer's dementia by improving their overall well-being and potentially reflecting their progress in managing the disease.

Engaging in music therapy sessions may help alleviate some cognitive disorders associated with Alzheimer's, enhancing the quality of life for patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Music therapy and Alzheimer disease]. Tromeur, E.[2014]

Music therapy (MT) has been shown to improve mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and enhance cognitive functions like autobiographical recall and verbal fluency in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, making it a beneficial intervention for managing symptoms.

Given that Alzheimer's disease can begin years before symptoms appear, music interventions may also help delay or slow down neurodegeneration in individuals at risk for AD, such as those with genetic predispositions or early cognitive decline.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The promise of music therapy for Alzheimer's disease: A review. Matziorinis, AM., Koelsch, S.[2022]

References

1. France pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Alzheimer's disease: rhythm, timing and music as therapy. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The music therapy assessment tool in Alzheimer's patients. [2019]

3. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adjunct effect of music therapy on cognition in Alzheimer's disease in Taiwan: a pilot study. [2020]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effect of Therapist and Activity Characteristics on the Purposeful Responses of Probable Alzheimer's Disease Participants. [2019]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Study protocol for the Alzheimer and music therapy study: An RCT to compare the efficacy of music therapy and physical activity on brain plasticity, depressive symptoms, and cognitive decline, in a population with and at risk for Alzheimer's disease. [2022]

6. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The HOMESIDE Music Intervention: A Training Protocol for Family Carers of People Living with Dementia. [2022]

7. France pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Music therapy and Alzheimer disease]. [2014]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The promise of music therapy for Alzheimer's disease: A review. [2022]