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Music for the Mind Study

Feasibility and Acceptability of Music Training Programs Among Older Adults Living With Mild Cognitive Impairment: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06866327
Acronym
M4M
Enrollment
19
Registered
2025-03-10
Start date
2025-02-24
Completion date
2025-09-30
Last updated
2026-04-08

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

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

Keywords

music, memory, mood, emotion, well-being

Brief 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.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALPiano 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.

BEHAVIORALMusic 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

University of Rochester
Lead SponsorOTHER
Eastman Performing Arts Medicine Center
CollaboratorUNKNOWN
University of Rochester Aging Institute
CollaboratorUNKNOWN
University of Rochester School of Nursing
CollaboratorUNKNOWN

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
60 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Aged ≥ 60 years * English-speaking * Community-dwelling * Medical diagnosis of MCI by a physician or research diagnostic criteria for MCI, defined by having Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), with a cutoff of 20- 25 (further adjusted for racial/ethnic differences) * Capable to consent as identified by the University of California, San Diego Brief Assessment of Capacity to Consent (UBACC) * No severe psychiatric condition (e.g., bipolar disorder)

Exclusion criteria

* Demonstrate musicality knowledge, as assessed by the Musicality Assessment developed by the study team * Currently participating in a formal music activity (performance, classes, lessons, etc.) * Major impairment in eyesight or hearing that precludes music reading, hearing, or engagement in the class * Any difficulty using a keyboard (portable electric piano) due to pain, neuropathy, tremor, or upper finger/hand/limb injury

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Percent of participants who complete the 12-week program they are randomly assigned toFrom enrollment to the end of the program at 12 weeksThe proportion of participants who complete the program. Feasibility of retention is defined as \> 80% of enrolled participants in each group complete at least 10 lesson sessions.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Expectancy of the 12-week program they are randomly assigned toAt enrollmentThis outcome is measured by a 6-item self-reported Credibility/ Expectancy Questionnaire (CEQ) that measure participants' views about the expected efficacy of the 12-week program they are randomly assigned to.
Percent of participants who are approached and consent to the studyAt enrollmentThe proportion of participants are approached and consenting to the study. Feasibility of recruitment is defined as \> 50% of screened participants consenting to enroll.

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Apr 9, 2026