Music-Based Interventions, Aging, Alzheimer's Disease

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · Nov 21, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how joining a choir and engaging with music can help older adults, especially those at higher risk for dementia, improve their hearing, communication skills, and overall emotional well-being. Researchers want to see if being part of a music group can make a positive difference in how these individuals perceive sounds, manage anxiety, and interact socially.

To participate in the study, you need to be an older adult with good vision and hearing (with correction if necessary) and be fluent in English. Unfortunately, if you have severe hearing loss that can't be fixed with aids, certain neurological or psychiatric conditions, or if you've had extensive music training, you won't be eligible. Participants can expect to attend weekly choir sessions, where they will engage in music activities designed to boost their cognitive and social skills. This trial is currently recruiting, so if you or a loved one fit the criteria, this could be a wonderful opportunity to explore the benefits of music together!

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Visual and Auditory Acuity: Adequate visual and auditory acuity, with correction if necessary.
• • Language Proficiency: Fluency in English to ensure complete testing.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Hearing Loss: Severe hearing loss not correctable with aids.
• • Neurological and Otologic Conditions: History of known neurological or otologic conditions.
• • Psychiatric Disorders: Current severe psychiatric disorders (past disorders not included).
• • Medical Conditions: Unstable or serious medical conditions that could limit participation in assessments or weekly meetings.
• • Cognitive Function: Impaired cognitive function, indicated by a score of less than 26 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
• • Music Training: Current or past professional music training, defined as 3 years of regular, formal practice, excluding typical educational curriculum music classes or singing in worship services.