Exploring how music affects people with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases

Observational Pilot Study of Neuropsychological Profiles and Musical Engagement in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Disease. What Are the Effects of Mnestic or Hedonic Impairment on Emotion, Reminiscence and Musical Enjoyment

NA · University Hospital, Montpellier · NCT06688968

This study looks at how music affects people over 60 with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases compared to healthy older adults to see how it influences their emotions and enjoyment of music.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Montpellier (other)
Locations3 sites (Montpellier, Hérault and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06688968 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicenter observational pilot study aims to compare musical engagement behaviors in individuals aged over 60 with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and healthy elderly controls. Participants will undergo a two-hour interview with a neuropsychologist, which includes demographic data collection and neuropsychological assessments. The study seeks to understand how different cognitive dysfunctions impact emotional engagement and sensitivity to musical rewards, thereby creating distinct profiles for each condition. By investigating these aspects, the study hopes to shed light on the therapeutic potential of music in neurodegenerative diseases.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include French-speaking individuals aged 60 and older diagnosed with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease who live at home with a relative.

Not a fit: Patients with other neurological or psychiatric disorders, unstable medical conditions, or significant hearing impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of music therapy's role in improving emotional and cognitive functions in patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

How similar studies have performed: While music therapy has shown benefits in related conditions, this specific investigation into musical engagement across different neurodegenerative diseases is novel and has not been previously studied.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

General inclusion criteria:

* 60 years and older
* French-speaking and volunteering for the study
* Living at home with a relative

Alzheimer's disease inclusion criteria:

* Biological diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease according to NINCDS-ADRDA criteria (McKhann et al., 1984)
* MMSE greater than or equal to 20

Inclusion criteria Parkinson's disease :

* Diagnosis of Idiopathic Parkinson's disease
* MMSE greater than or equal to 20

Exclusion Criteria:

* No known neurological pathologies (epilepsy and other non-degenerative CNS diseases) or psychiatric disorders (chronic psychosis and psychotic episodes)
* Autistic disorders
* History of stroke or head trauma
* Unstable medical condition (cancer)
* Subject unable to read and/or write
* Hearing impairment without hearing aids
* Refusal of consent after information
* Persons unable to give consent, research carried out in emergency situations, etc.)
* Non-affiliation with a social security scheme
* Person deprived of liberty (by judicial or administrative decision, or forced hospitalization)
* Person under legal protection (guardianship, curatorship, legal protection)
* Person participating in another research project with an exclusion period still in progress

Where this trial is running

Montpellier, Hérault and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Alzheimer Disease, Early Onset, Parkinsons Disease with Dementia, Non Pharmacological Intervention, Non Pharmacological intervention, Music Therapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.