MusiCare: Music Therapy for older adults with cognitive decline
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating Music Therapy benefits for older adults with cognitive decline
IRAS ID
329780
Contact name
Fabia Franco
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Middlesex University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 2 days
Research summary
This study examines the benefit of music therapy (MT), which involves simple improvisational musical activities tailored to the needs and abilities of participants. It is well-established in the scientific literature that music stimulates a range of cognitive and social functions, but there is limited evidence from studies assessing the value of MT for those who need support in later life and present mild-moderate cognitive decline. In order to address this gap, the present study will specifically assess the psychosocial benefits of a 5-month weekly MT intervention contrasting one-to-one vs small group MT (5-6 people) compared to standard care (weekly all-resident musical activity), in older adults living in care homes and presenting mild or moderate cognitive decline. In the research both psychological (cognitive performance, well-being, quality of life) and physiological (hormonal & cardio-respiratory) measures will be compared before/after the intervention, with a view to understand how positive change may occur with the intervention.
Given the rising number of older people living with cognitive decline, there is a growing need for simple, inexpensive interventions to improve the quality of life for such individuals and their families. Policy-makers sensitive to issues associated with mental health challenges in aging have embraced social prescribing, and a wealth of research has flourished to study non-pharmacological forms of intervention, such as MT. We expect to find that both one-to-one and small-group MT will facilitate improvements compared with standard care. However, importantly, our study will help to maximise the benefit by identifying the best match of MT treatment for each level of cognitive functioning (mildly or moderately impaired
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/YH/0131
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jul 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion