Effects of dance and music on brain health in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's
Establishing the Optimal Frequency of Dance Movement for Neurocognitive and Physical Outcomes in People at Risk of Alzheimer's Disease
This study tests if dance and music classes can help improve memory and fitness in older adults who are worried about Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Wake Forest University Health Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Winston-Salem, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT05507905 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research investigates how dance movement and music appreciation can enhance memory and cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults concerned about memory loss. Participants aged 65 and older, who do not have a diagnosis of cognitive impairment, will be randomized into groups attending 1, 2, or 3 classes per week for 24 weeks. The study will include clinical assessments, such as brain MRIs, to evaluate the impact of these interventions on brain health. Classes will be conducted by local experts in accessible community locations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 65 and older who are low-active and concerned about their memory but do not have cognitive impairment.
Not a fit: Patients with a current diagnosis of major neurological disorders or those unable to participate in the classes will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve cognitive function and overall fitness in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive effects of physical activity and music on cognitive health, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Cognitive Change Index score ≥16 * Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥21 * Cognitively normal * Low-active for past 6 months (\<30 min, 3 days/week of exercise, including walking for exercise) * MRI compatible * Willing and able to complete exercise testing. * Has reliable transportation or is able to use transportation provided by the study. * English speaking (needed for group class participation) Exclusion Criteria: * Unable or unwilling to attend intervention classes 1-3x/week * Current diagnosis of a major neurological disorder (Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, etc.) * Unwilling or unable to provide consent for study participation. * Currently symptomatic or cortical stroke or stroke deemed exclusionary by the study physician. Reported or observed evidence of strokes on MRI will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the study physician to assess factors such as location, size, time since stroke, and residual symptoms. * Taking medication during the intervention times that could negatively influence safety * Current cancer treatment or other major medical problems that might independently affect cognition or movement or interfere with ability to attend intervention or study visits. * Chronic vertigo. * Enrolled in another interventional research study ≤3 months prior to beginning this study. * Hip fracture, hip or knee replacement, or spinal surgery in past 6 months. * Health contraindications for completing a graded exercise test and movement intervention, including uncontrolled hypertension (BP\>200/110 mmHg), hypertriglyceridemia (TG\>400 mg/dl), uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c \> 7.5), clinical evidence of anemia. * Self-reports regularly drinking \> 14 alcoholic beverages a week or current illicit drug use. * Unable or unwilling to understand study procedures and comply with them for the duration of the study.
Where this trial is running
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Wake Forest School of Medicine — Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Christina Hugenschmidt, PhD — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Christina Hugenschmidt, PhD
- Email: chugensc@wakehealth.edu
- Phone: 336-713-4190
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.