Feasibility of a 12-week manualized music program to help cognition in older adults at risk for Alzheimer’s
Official title: Feasibility of Randomized Manualized Music Training Program as a Cognitive Intervention for Older Adults at High Risk of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
Funded at University of Maine Orono · NIH-11116599 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A 12-week, hands-on music program is being tested to see if it can help thinking skills in older adults who are at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maine Orono NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orono, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $180,582 |
| NIH project number | 1R34AG093142-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11116599 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias who can participate in a 12-week music training program.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals unable to participate in a 12-week program or with medical conditions interfering with participation may receive no benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a practical, 12-week, manualized music training program designed for older adults at risk of cognitive decline. It builds on community input and prior work to measure feasibility and how well the program is received, with attention to how easy it would be to run in real communities. The study will look at changes in global cognition and executive function after the intervention, using rigorous methods to enhance reproducibility. Results from a pilot suggested the approach is acceptable and may improve cognitive outcomes, guiding future larger trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could become a low-cost, engaging option to help maintain thinking skills in people at risk for dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data from a pilot study indicated acceptability and potential cognitive benefits, supporting further rigorous testing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maine Orono
Orono, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Macaulay, Rebecca — University of Maine Orono
- Study coordinator: Macaulay, Rebecca
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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.