Music improvisation to boost brain health and thinking in older adults
Impact of Music Improvisation Training on Brain Function and Cognition among Older Adults
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11124732
Older adults with mild memory problems will try music improvisation training to help thinking, memory, and brain function.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11124732 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would join a program that teaches music improvisation—creating melodies and rhythms spontaneously—designed for older adults who are not professional musicians. The program pairs regular group or individual improvisation sessions with tests of thinking, memory, and mood, and includes brain imaging to see how networks change. Researchers will compare participants' cognitive test scores and brain activity before and after the training to look for improvements. The work focuses on people with mild cognitive impairment or early memory concerns to see if this engaging activity promotes brain plasticity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults (around age 60+) with mild cognitive impairment or early memory concerns who can attend regular sessions and brain imaging at the study site.
Not a fit: People with advanced dementia, major hearing problems, severe mobility issues, or who cannot travel to the study site are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this training could improve thinking skills, memory, and brain network function and offer a low-risk way to support cognition in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous music-training studies in adults have shown changes in brain structure and cognition, but improvisation-based programs are newer and less tested.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JOHNSON, JULENE K — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: JOHNSON, JULENE K
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 below.
Conditions: Alzheimer's disease and related dementia, Alzheimer's disease and related disorders