Music for the Mind Study

Not Applicable

Recruiting

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

• Registration Number: NCT06866327
• Lead Sponsor: University of Rochester

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.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2025-02-24
• Status Verified: 2025-03
• Study First Submitted: 2025-03-04
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-03-04
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-03-04
• Study First Posted: 2025-03-10
• Last Update Posted: 2025-03-10
• Primary Completion: 2025-09-30
• Study Completion: 2025-12-31

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 18

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Percent of participants who complete the 12-week program they are randomly assigned to	From enrollment to the end of the program at 12 weeks	The 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 Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Expectancy of the 12-week program they are randomly assigned to	At enrollment	This 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 study	At enrollment	The proportion of participants are approached and consenting to the study. Feasibility of recruitment is defined as \> 50% of screened participants consenting to enroll.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

School of Nursing; 🇺🇸 Rochester, New York, United States