Music Lessons for Mild Cognitive Impairment

(M4M Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: University of Rochester

Disqualifiers: Musicality knowledge, Formal music activity, others

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

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 study will help researchers prepare for a future, large-scale clinical trial to learn if music training can slow cognitive decline and promote emotional well-being in those at risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The main questions this pilot study aims to answer are: * Do participants like the music programs? * Do participants stay enrolled in the study? * Do participants report perceived benefits of the programs for their emotional well-being or everyday memory? Participants will: * Participate in 12-weekly sessions of piano lessons or music lessons, with group and individual lessons alternating each week. * Have home practice in between lessons, with a keyboard or other instruments provided. * Keep a diary of their home practice and their mood before and after practice. * Participate in interviews before and after the 12-week programs.

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 data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Music Lessons, Piano Lessons for Mild Cognitive Impairment?

Research shows that music interventions, including active music-making and music therapy, can improve cognitive function, emotional well-being, and social engagement in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Studies have found significant improvements in cognitive tests after music-based interventions, suggesting that music lessons may help enhance cognitive abilities in this population.

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Is participating in music lessons safe for people with mild cognitive impairment?

The available research does not specifically address the safety of music lessons for mild cognitive impairment, but music therapy interventions have been found feasible with high retention rates, suggesting they are generally well-tolerated.

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How do music lessons differ from other treatments for mild cognitive impairment?

Music lessons, such as piano lessons, offer a unique approach by engaging patients in active music-making, which can improve cognitive function and emotional well-being. Unlike traditional treatments, this method uses musical activities to enhance memory and executive functions, providing a non-pharmacological option for managing mild cognitive impairment.

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Eligibility Criteria

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.)

Trial Timeline

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

Participant Groups

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.

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.

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations Nearby Select from list below to view details:

School of Nursing Rochester, NY

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Rochester Lead Sponsor

Eastman Performing Arts Medicine Center Collaborator

University of Rochester Aging Institute Collaborator

University of Rochester School of Nursing Collaborator

References

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

Effects of music participation for mild cognitive impairment and dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2022] To examine randomized controlled trials with active music-making interventions, in which older adults with probable mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia physically participate in music, and their effects on cognitive functioning, emotional well-being, and social engagement. Participating in music-making is engaging and has shown diverse benefits. Additionally, this review categorized the music activities of each intervention.

2. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive Intervention with Musical Stimuli Using Digital Devices on Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study. [2020] The effect of music therapy on cognitive function has been widely reported; however, its clinical implications remain controversial. Performing therapeutic musical activities in groups using individualized instruments can help overcome the issues of engagement and compliance. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a cognitive intervention with musical stimuli using digital devices on mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this prospective study, 24 patients with MCI (intervention group, 12; and control group, 12) were enrolled. We developed an electronic device with musical instruments and the Song-based Cognitive Stimulation Therapy protocol (SongCST). Patients in the intervention group underwent a 10-week cognitive intervention involving musical stimuli generated by our device. Effect of the intervention on cognitive function was evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination-Dementia Screening (MMSE-DS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Korean (MOCA-K), and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes (CDR-SOB). In the intervention group, MMSE-DS and MOCA-K scores improved significantly after the 10-week intervention. The changes in MOCA-K and CDR-SB scores were significantly different between the intervention and control groups. Our study showed that music therapy with digital devices has a positive effect on the executive function and overall disease severity in patients with MCI. Our study can facilitate individualization of music therapy using digital devices in groups.

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

Effect of Music Interventions on Cognitive Function in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review. [2023] The purpose of the current systematic review was to examine the effects of music interventions on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A systematic search of CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases was performed. Studies examining the effects of music interventions on cognitive function in older adults with MCI were included. Narrative synthesis for cognitive outcomes postintervention was performed. A total of 11 articles met inclusion criteria. Music interventions significantly improved global cognitive function, verbal fluency, executive function, and spatial function in older adults with MCI. Included studies were heterogeneous in terms of the type of intervention, cognitive assessment tool, and intervention duration. Six studies were at risk of bias due to missing data and confounding factors. Our findings suggest that music interventions can be an effective strategy to improve cognitive function for older adults with MCI. However, findings should be interpreted with caution. More rigorous studies with various types of music interventions investigating cognitive domain-specific effects are needed. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 16(5), 259-268.].

4. England 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. [2019] Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a phase in cognitive decline when it is still possible to intervene to reverse the decline. Cognitive stimulation delivered through psychosocial interventions provides both psychological intervention and social stimulation to improve cognition. A pilot open-label parallel-arms randomized controlled trial was undertaken to examine the effects of art therapy (AT) and music reminiscence activity (MRA) compared to the control, on the primary outcome of neurocognitive domain assessments in elderly people with MCI.

5. England 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. [2023] The Alzheimer's and Music Therapy (ALMUTH) study is the first randomised controlled trial (RCT) design with 12 months of active non-pharmacological therapy (NPT) implementing music therapy (MT) and physical activity (PA) for participants with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of the present article is to retrospectively examine the inclusion of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's Disease patients into the main ALMUTH study protocol and to determine if continued inclusion of AD patients is warranted.

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

Music therapy intervention in community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A pilot study. [2019] The purpose of the pilot study was twofold, seeking to investigate both the feasibility and preliminary effects of a music therapy intervention on the global cognitive state (attention, immediate and delayed memory, and executive function) and gait parameters (gait velocity, cadence, and right and left stride length) in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Sixteen participants attended the one-hour music therapy sessions three times a week for 12 weeks. The intervention was feasible, achieving a retention rate of 84%. Significant effects were found in global cognitive state (p = .001), attention (p = .007), immediate memory (p

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Does playing a musical instrument reduce the incidence of cognitive impairment and dementia? A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2021] Objectives: High levels of life course intellectually-stimulating activity are hypothesised to produce a cognitive reserve that mitigates against overt cognitive impairment in the face of neuropathology. Leisure-time musical instrument playing could be a viable source of that stimulation, but to date no systematic review has been undertaken to investigate the effect of musical instrument playing on the incidence of cognitive impairment and dementia.Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis including any study with musical instrument playing as the exposure, and cognitive impairment and/or dementia as the outcome.Results: 1211 unduplicated articles were identified from literature searching, of which three articles were included: two cohort studies and one twin study. All studies were of good methodological quality, and reported large protective effects of musical instrument playing. The twin study reported that musicians were 64% less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment or dementia, after additionally adjusting for sex, education and physical activity. A meta-analysis of the cohort studies found a 59% reduction in the risk of developing dementia within the study follow up. The evidence base is limited by size, small sample sizes and the risk of reverse causality.Conclusion: The three identified studies that investigated the specific relationship of musical instrument playing and subsequent incidence of cognitive impairment and dementia all reported a large protective association. The results are encouraging but should be interpreted with caution. Larger, more focussed studies are required to further explore this association, with a particular need to consider the cumulative lifetime quantity of music playing.

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

Safety and tolerability of donepezil in mild cognitive impairment: open-label extension study. [2018] Following a 48-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of donepezil in 821 patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), safety and tolerability of donepezil (10 mg) were further evaluated in a 28-week extension study. Of 499 participants who completed the double-blind phase, 145 enrolled in the open-label study. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded throughout. Overall, 57.4% of participants in the donepezil/donepezil group and 62.3% in the placebo/donepezil group experienced an AE, with the most frequent treatment-emergent AEs being diarrhea, muscle spasms, insomnia, and nausea. Most were mild to moderate in severity and were more common in the first several weeks after treatment initiation. More participants in the placebo/donepezil group (22.1%) discontinued donepezil due to an AE compared with the donepezil/donepezil group (10.3%). These findings support the safety of donepezil in patients with aMCI. When compared with other studies, however, the data suggest that patients with Alzheimer's tolerate donepezil better than patients with MCI.

9. England 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. [2023] Episodic memory (EM) and working memory (WM) are negatively affected by healthy ageing, and additional memory impairment typically occurs in clinical ageing-related conditions such as amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Recent studies on musical mnemonics in Alzheimer's dementia (AD) showed promising results on EM performance. However, the effects of musical mnemonics on WM performance have not yet been studied in (a)MCI or AD. Particularly in (a)MCI the use of musical mnemonics may benefit the optimisation of (working) memory performance. Therefore, in the present study, we examined the effects of musical presentation of digits consisting of pre-recorded rhythms, sung unfamiliar pitch sequences, and their combinations, as compared to spoken presentation. Furthermore, musical expertise was assessed with two perceptual tests and the Self-Report Inventory of the Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index. Thirty-two persons with aMCI and 32 cognitively unimpaired older adults (OA) participated in this study. Confirming and extending previous findings in research on ageing, our results show a facilitating effect of rhythm in both cognitively unimpaired OA and persons with aMCI (p = .001, ηp 2  = .158). Furthermore, pitch (p = .048, ηp 2  = .062) and melody (p = .012, ηp 2  = .098) negatively affected performance in both groups. Musical expertise increased this beneficial effect of musical mnemonics (p = .021, ηp 2  = .090). Implications for the future design of music-based memorisation strategies in (a)MCI are discussed.

10. Switzerland 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. [2022] Music-based intervention has been used as first-line non-pharmacological treatment to improve cognitive function for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia in clinical practice. However, evidence regarding the effect of music-based intervention on general cognitive function as well as subdomains of cognitive functions in these individuals is scarce.

11. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Working memory for music in patients with mild cognitive impairment and early stage Alzheimer's disease]. [2021] A variety of studies demonstrated that some forms of memory for music are spared in dementia, but only few studies have investigated patients with early stages of dementia. In this pilot-study we tested working memory for music in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) with a newly created test. The test probed working memory using 7 gradually elongated tone-lines and 6 chords which were each followed by 3 similar items and 1 identical item. The participants of the study, namely 10 patients with MCI, 10 patients with early stage AD and 23 healthy subjects were instructed to select the identical tone-line or chord. Subjects with MCI and early AD showed significantly reduced performance than controls in most of the presented tasks. In recognizing chords MCI- participants surprisingly showed an unimpaired performance. The gradual increase of the impairment during the preclinical phase of AD seems to spare this special ability in MCI.