Music Lessons for Mild Cognitive Impairment

(M4M Trial)

Overseen By Rose Lin, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Rochester

Disqualifiers: Musicality knowledge, Formal music activity, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 12

Duration: 12 weeks

18 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether music lessons can help people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by slowing cognitive decline and boosting emotional well-being, particularly for those at risk for Alzheimer's. Participants will attend weekly music sessions, alternating between group and individual lessons, and practice at home with provided instruments. The trial aims to determine if participants enjoy the music programs, remain committed, and experience any emotional or memory benefits. It suits English-speaking individuals aged 60 or older who have been diagnosed with MCI, live in the community, and do not currently participate in formal music activities. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative ways to enhance quality of life 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.

What prior data suggests that these music programs are safe for older adults with mild cognitive impairment?

Research has shown that music activities, such as piano lessons, are generally safe and manageable. One study found that learning to play the piano can enhance thinking skills without causing serious side effects. Another review found that music therapy helped individuals with Alzheimer's disease improve memory and awareness of their surroundings.

In this trial, participants will either take piano lessons or engage in different music activities, such as singing and learning about music. Both options are considered safe for individuals with mild memory problems and have no known negative health effects. Participants will attend weekly sessions and practice at home. These activities aim to be enjoyable and beneficial for improving mood and memory. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about these music-related treatments for mild cognitive impairment because they offer a non-pharmacological approach to enhancing brain function. Unlike traditional treatments that often focus on medication to manage symptoms, music lessons and piano lessons provide a cognitive workout that can stimulate different parts of the brain. Piano lessons specifically engage memory, coordination, and concentration through note reading and finger positioning. Music lessons, on the other hand, introduce a variety of instruments and music appreciation, promoting mental flexibility and creativity. This innovative approach could offer a fun and engaging way to potentially slow cognitive decline.

What evidence suggests that music lessons might be an effective treatment for mild cognitive impairment?

Research has shown that music lessons, like those studied in this trial, may enhance thinking skills in older adults. Participants will receive either piano lessons or varied music lessons. Studies have found that music activities can improve performance on thinking tests. Specifically, piano lessons have been linked to enhanced skills such as problem-solving and memory. One study found that 10 weeks of group piano lessons boosted thinking abilities in older adults. These findings suggest that music lessons might help slow memory and thinking problems in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. ^{3 5 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for older adults with mild cognitive impairment or early signs of dementia who are interested in music. They should be willing to attend weekly music lessons, practice at home, and keep a diary of their activities and mood.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 60 years old or older.

I speak English.

Community-dwelling

Exclusion Criteria

Demonstrate musicality knowledge, as assessed by the Musicality Assessment developed by the study team

I have severe problems with my vision or hearing that prevent me from reading music or hearing well.

Currently participating in a formal music activity (performance, classes, lessons, etc.)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in 12-weekly sessions of piano or music lessons, with alternating group and individual lessons, and home practice.

12 weeks

12 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for satisfaction and acceptability of the music programs through interviews and surveys.

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Music Lessons
• Piano Lessons

Trial Overview The study tests the acceptability of two music programs (piano lessons and general music lessons) for slowing cognitive decline. It involves 12 weeks of alternating group and individual sessions, home practice, diaries, and interviews before/after the program.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Piano lessons Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Introduction to piano playing, including instruction and practice in note reading, finger positions, and song playing.

Group II: Music lessons Active Control 1 Intervention

Introduction to varied instrument playing, music singing, and music appreciation.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Rochester

Lead Sponsor

Trials

883

Recruited

555,000+

Eastman Performing Arts Medicine Center

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

20+

University of Rochester Aging Institute

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

20+

University of Rochester School of Nursing

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

20+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Playing a musical instrument is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of developing cognitive impairment and dementia, with one study showing musicians were 64% less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment after adjusting for other factors.

A meta-analysis of cohort studies indicated a 59% reduction in dementia risk among those who play musical instruments, suggesting that engaging in music may contribute to cognitive reserve, although the evidence is limited and further research is needed.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Does playing a musical instrument reduce the incidence of cognitive impairment and dementia? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Walsh, S., Causer, R., Brayne, C.[2021]

In a 48-week trial followed by a 28-week extension study involving 821 patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), donepezil (10 mg) was found to be generally safe and well-tolerated, with most adverse events being mild to moderate in severity.

The most common side effects included diarrhea, muscle spasms, insomnia, and nausea, with a higher discontinuation rate due to adverse events in the placebo group (22.1%) compared to the donepezil group (10.3%), indicating that donepezil is better tolerated than placebo in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety and tolerability of donepezil in mild cognitive impairment: open-label extension study. Doody, RS., Ferris, S., Salloway, S., et al.[2018]

A pilot study involving 16 older adults with mild cognitive impairment showed that a 12-week music therapy intervention significantly improved various cognitive functions, including attention, immediate and delayed memory, and executive function.

The study also found improvements in gait parameters, such as gait velocity and stride length, indicating that music therapy may be an effective and innovative approach to enhance both cognitive and physical abilities in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music therapy intervention in community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A pilot study. Domínguez-Chávez, CJ., Murrock, CJ., Guerrero, PIC., et al.[2019]

In a study of 24 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a 10-week music therapy intervention using digital devices significantly improved cognitive function, as measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination-Dementia Screening (MMSE-DS) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Korean (MOCA-K).

The results indicated that music therapy not only enhanced executive function but also reduced overall disease severity in MCI patients, suggesting that individualized music therapy can be effectively implemented in group settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive Intervention with Musical Stimuli Using Digital Devices on Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study. Han, E., Park, J., Kim, H., et al.[2020]

A meta-analysis of 19 studies with 1024 participants showed that music-based interventions significantly improve general cognitive function, executive function, and episodic memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia.

The findings support the recommendation for increased use of music therapies in various settings, such as homes and nursing facilities, to enhance cognitive health in these populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effect of Music-Based Intervention on General Cognitive and Executive Functions, and Episodic Memory in People with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Recent Randomized Controlled Trials. Ito, E., Nouchi, R., Dinet, J., et al.[2022]

In a pilot study involving 68 elderly participants with mild cognitive impairment, art therapy significantly improved neurocognitive functions compared to a control group, with benefits observed at both 3 and 9 months after the intervention.

No adverse effects were reported from the interventions, suggesting that art therapy is a safe psychosocial approach to enhance cognitive function in older adults with cognitive decline.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Art therapy is associated with sustained improvement in cognitive function in the elderly with mild neurocognitive disorder: findings from a pilot randomized controlled trial for art therapy and music reminiscence activity versus usual care. Mahendran, R., Gandhi, M., Moorakonda, RB., et al.[2019]

In a study involving 32 individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and 32 cognitively unimpaired older adults, musical mnemonics using rhythm significantly improved working memory performance compared to spoken presentation.

While rhythm enhanced memory performance, pitch and melody had a negative impact, suggesting that rhythm is a key factor in optimizing memory strategies for individuals with aMCI.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of musical mnemonics on working memory performance in cognitively unimpaired older adults and persons with amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Derks-Dijkman, MW., Schaefer, RS., Baan-Wessels, L., et al.[2023]

In a pilot study involving 10 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 10 patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD), and 23 healthy subjects, it was found that while MCI and early AD patients generally performed worse than controls in music memory tasks, they showed unimpaired performance in recognizing chords.

The results suggest that certain aspects of musical memory may be preserved in the early stages of dementia, particularly in individuals with MCI, indicating a potential area for therapeutic focus or cognitive engagement.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Working memory for music in patients with mild cognitive impairment and early stage Alzheimer's disease]. Kerer, M., Marksteiner, J., Hinterhuber, H., et al.[2021]

Music interventions can significantly enhance cognitive functions such as global cognitive ability, verbal fluency, executive function, and spatial function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), based on a review of 11 studies.

Despite the positive effects, the studies varied widely in intervention types and assessment methods, and some had risks of bias, indicating a need for more rigorous research to confirm these benefits and explore specific cognitive domains.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Music Interventions on Cognitive Function in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review. Kim, J., Cuevas, H., Wood, ST.[2023]

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]

The ALMUTH study, a randomized controlled trial involving 18 participants with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease, found that the implementation of music therapy and physical activity was not feasible due to low adherence and high attrition rates, with only 50% of participants attending sessions.

Despite the challenges, no adverse events were reported, and the study has since expanded its recruitment criteria to include individuals with milder memory impairments, aiming to improve feasibility and outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A 12-month randomised pilot trial of the Alzheimer's and music therapy study: a feasibility assessment of music therapy and physical activity in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. Matziorinis, AM., Flo, BK., Skouras, S., et al.[2023]

Citations

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Keys to Staying Sharp: A Randomized Clinical Trial of Piano ... We hypothesize that piano training will improve CAP and cognitive performance, leading to functional improvements. We expect that enhanced CAP will mediate ...

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A randomized clinical trial of piano training among older ... We hypothesize that piano training will improve CAP and cognitive performance, leading to functional improvements. We expect that enhanced CAP will mediate ...

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Music Lessons for Mild Cognitive Impairment (M4M Trial) Studies have found significant improvements in cognitive tests after music-based interventions, suggesting that music lessons may help enhance cognitive ...

4. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/aging/articles/10.3389/fragi.2025.1513359/full

Effects of group music sessions on cognitive and ... Lessons involving 10 weeks of piano ensembles have been reported to improve executive function in healthy older adults (MacRitchie et al., 2020) ...

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Musical and psychomotor interventions for cognitive ... We will compare the influence of active music practice and psychomotor training over 6 months in Mild Cognitive Impairment patients from ...

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Study Details | NCT06866327 | Music for the Mind Study The goal of this pilot clinical trial is to learn if older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) find two music programs equally acceptable. This pilot ...

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A systematic review on effect of music intervention ... In their outcome, Alzheimer's disease patients showed improved orientation and memory after music therapy session. One study on post-stroke cognitive impairment ...