Using music to help improve the lives of people with dementia
Official title: Research Network to Accelerate Mechanistic Studies of Music for Dementia (RN-MusD)
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10908652 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how music can help improve the lives of people with Alzheimer's and related dementias by using different music activities to boost their mood and thinking skills, and it aims to find ways that work well for everyone involved.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $477,834 |
| NIH project number | 5U24AG084436-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908652 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and over who are living with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with dementia or who are under 65 years of age may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how music can be used as a therapeutic tool to enhance the quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. The project aims to explore various music-based interventions and their effects on emotional well-being and cognitive function in older adults. By engaging participants in music therapy, the research seeks to identify accessible and culturally relevant approaches that can alleviate the burden of dementia. The study will involve collaboration with diverse communities to ensure that the interventions are effective and beneficial for all.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new, effective methods for improving the emotional and cognitive well-being of patients with dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with music therapy for dementia patients, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
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
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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.