Exploring how music affects well-being after an Alzheimer's diagnosis
Official title: The impact of music on well-being after diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease or its related dementias
Funded at Northern California Institute/res/edu · NIH-10806804 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how listening to and enjoying music can help people who have just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and their caregivers feel happier and more connected during this tough time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northern California Institute/res/edu NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,242,475 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG082292-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10806804 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, along with their care partners.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of music engagement on the well-being of individuals recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It focuses on how music can provide joy and support personal identity during a challenging time, as patients and their care partners navigate the emotional impact of the diagnosis. The study will involve qualitative assessments of music activities, such as listening and dancing, to understand their role in enhancing social relationships and overall well-being shortly after diagnosis. By examining these interactions, the research aims to identify lasting positive effects of music on patients' lives.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the quality of life for patients with Alzheimer's by promoting music as a therapeutic tool for emotional and social support.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that music can significantly improve well-being in individuals with moderate to severe dementia, suggesting potential for success in this novel context.
Where this research is happening
-
Northern California Institute/res/edu
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allison, Theresa Anne — Northern California Institute/res/edu
- Study coordinator: Allison, Theresa Anne
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Music and well-being after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis
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Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.