Music for the Mind Study

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
• Memory Disorders, Age Related
• Memory Decline

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Piano lessons

The program consists of 12-weekly piano lessons, alternating small group lessons and individual lessons each week. Individual lessons reinforce and help personalize what is instructed during group lessons. Lessons are tailored to help older adults with memory challenges learn note reading, finger positioning, and song playing. Participants are asked to practice at home in between lessons for 10 minutes per day, 5 times per week, with a keyboard and bench provided.

BEHAVIORAL

Music Lessons

The program consists of 12-weekly music lessons, alternating small group lessons and individual lessons each week. Individual lessons reinforce and help personalize what is instructed during group lessons. Lessons are tailored to help older adults with memory challenges learn various instruments, engage in group playing during group lessons, and engage in music appreciation activities. Participants are asked to practice at home in between lessons for 10 minutes per day, 5 times per week, with instruments provided.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Eastman Performing Arts Medicine Center

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• University of Rochester Aging Institute

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• University of Rochester School of Nursing

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• University of Rochester

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

60 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-02-24

Primary Completion

2025-09-30

Completion

2025-09-30

Countries

• United States

Study Locations