Music Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to explore how music therapy can aid people with Alzheimer's disease by examining changes in exosomes, tiny particles released by brain cells and found in saliva. The researchers aim to determine if music can improve the condition by analyzing these molecular messages. All participants will undergo the music intervention, a form of music therapy. The trial seeks adults aged 50 or older, including those with and without mild cognitive issues or Alzheimer's, who can understand and consent to the study procedures. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on the potential benefits of music therapy for Alzheimer's.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that music therapy is safe for Alzheimer's patients?
Research has shown that music therapy is safe for people with Alzheimer's disease. Studies have found it can reduce anxiety, depression, and restlessness without harmful side effects. For example, one study found that music therapy improved mood and reduced anxiety in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's. Another study observed significant improvements in speaking abilities and reduced lack of interest. Overall, music therapy is considered safe and well-tolerated for people with dementia, including those with Alzheimer's.1234
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about music therapy for Alzheimer's disease because it offers a non-drug alternative that can engage patients in a meaningful way. Unlike standard treatments that typically involve medications like cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine, music therapy uses familiar tunes to stimulate memory and emotion, potentially enhancing cognitive function and quality of life without the side effects associated with drugs. This approach not only provides a unique avenue for therapy but also opens up possibilities for personalized treatment, as music preferences can be tailored to each individual.
What evidence suggests that music therapy might be an effective treatment for Alzheimer's?
Research shows that music therapy can help people with Alzheimer's disease feel better and behave more positively. Studies have found that music activities can improve behavior, emotions, and thinking skills. One study discovered that weekly music sessions for 16 weeks greatly reduced symptoms. Another study found that music helped reduce agitation, a common problem for people with Alzheimer's, because the part of the brain that recognizes music often remains unaffected. Overall, these findings suggest that music therapy could be a useful way to manage Alzheimer's symptoms. All participants in this trial will undergo music intervention to evaluate its effectiveness in managing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.34567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Kiminobu Sugaya, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Central Florida
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This study is for adults aged 50 or older with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease/dementia. Participants must understand English and agree to follow the study procedures. Pregnant women are also eligible. It excludes individuals under 50, prisoners, and those unable to understand English or provide consent.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Music Therapy Intervention
Participants undergo music therapy sessions to assess changes in neurochemical biomarkers
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in cognitive, emotional, and behavioral outcomes after music therapy
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Music Intervention
Trial Overview
The trial is examining how music therapy affects people with Alzheimer's disease by looking at molecular markers in saliva that reflect brain cell activity. This non-invasive approach aims to scientifically prove the benefits of music intervention on dementia.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
All participants in study will undergo music intervention.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Central Florida
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Music Therapy in the Treatment of Dementia: A Systematic ...
These studies claimed that interventions based on musical activities have positive effects on behavior, emotion and cognition (2, 15, 16).
Clinical effectiveness of music interventions for dementia ...
The third study provided individual music therapy in 45-min sessions delivered once weekly for 16 weeks and found a significant reduction in ...
Review Article A meta-analysis of the effect of music ...
Results: The 15 studies on the effects of music therapy on Alzheimer's cognitive function show that the data are heterogeneous (I2=90.3), and ...
An individualized music listening program to reduce ...
Listening to music can be an effective intervention to decrease agitation because the part of the brain recognizing music is unaffected by ...
Music Intervention Approaches for Alzheimer's Disease
They found that interventions which included music were best at reducing behavioral symptoms of dementia. Specifically, music reduced agitation ...
Effects of Music Therapy on Patients with Dementia—A ...
Significant improvements in verbal fluency occurred after music therapy, with significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and apathy.
Music therapy in moderate and severe dementia of ...
Conclusions: Music therapy is a safe and effective method for treating agitation and anxiety in moderately severe and severe AD. This is in line with the ...
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