Music-based support to improve hearing and thinking in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's
Official title: Following the Sound of Music - Comparing the Effects of Music vs. Non-Music Based Interventions on Auditory and Cognitive Processing in Older Adults
Funded at Northeastern University · NIH-11411483 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests whether a music-based listening program helps older adults, including those at risk for Alzheimer’s, understand speech in noisy settings and supports thinking skills better than two active control approaches.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $499,020 |
| NIH project number | 5R33AG073668-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11411483 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults, including individuals at risk for ADRD, who have age-related hearing difficulties and speech-in-noise challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without speech-in-noise difficulties or those not at risk for ADRD may see limited or no benefit.
What this research studies
This project invites older adults, including those at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, to participate in an attention-based music listening program. Participants will be exposed to music-based activities and will be compared to two active control groups to understand how music and attention influence auditory processing and cognitive function. The research will examine changes in speech-in-noise abilities and related cognitive processes, aiming to uncover mechanisms behind potential music-related benefits. By identifying whether music or attention-driven strategies can support communication and cognitive health, the study could inform non-pharmacological options for aging individuals. The study is conducted at Northeastern University with a focus on older adults in the community.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could improve everyday communication for older adults and possibly support cognitive health, reducing social isolation.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work suggests music-related activities can influence auditory and cognitive functions, but rigorous evidence in this specific context is limited and further研究 is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Northeastern University
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jaeggi, Susanne M — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Jaeggi, Susanne M
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.