Music and 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-11463476 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Families and people newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or related dementias could discover how engaging with music might support mood, identity, and social connection early on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| 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 | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $713,106 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AG082292-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11463476 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias and their care partners.
✕Less likely to help
People without a recent dementia diagnosis or without access to music-engagement opportunities may see little direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how listening to, dancing to, and participating in music activities affects well-being right after a dementia diagnosis. It follows people and care partners over time to see how musical engagement relates to happiness, social ties, and sense of self. The study builds on small prior findings that music can bring momentary joy even as cognitive challenges appear. By focusing on the period just after diagnosis, it aims to identify practical ways music can help people feel more connected and supported.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could inform patient- and caregiver-facing recommendations for using music to boost well-being after a dementia diagnosis.
How similar studies have gone: Prior qualitative work suggests music supports identity and social ties in dementia, but timing after diagnosis is less explored.
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
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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.
-
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.