Intensive musical training for people with Alzheimer's disease

Memory for Music: Effects of Individual Intensive Musical Training Based on Singing in Non-musicians With Alzheimer's Disease

Not applicable Interventional NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS · NCT06611878

This study tests if intensive musical training can help improve memory and thinking skills in older adults with Alzheimer's disease.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment113 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS Academic / other
Locations6 sites (Buenos Aires and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06611878 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project, Memory for Music, investigates the effects of intensive musical training on cognitive and behavioral functioning in adults aged 65 and older with Alzheimer's disease. Participants will engage in a structured program of learning new songs with a personal music teacher over a period of 10 months, alternating between intensive and minimal training phases. The study aims to assess changes in general cognition and memory for music using standardized assessments and brain response measurements. By exploring the cognitive benefits of music interventions, this research seeks to enhance the quality of life for individuals with dementia.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are home-dwelling adults aged 65 or older diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who are non-musicians.

Not a fit: Patients with non-Alzheimer dementia or those living in care homes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide new insights into using music as a therapeutic tool to improve cognitive function and quality of life for patients with Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: While some studies have shown promising results with music interventions for dementia, this specific approach focusing on intensive musical training is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
* Home-dwelling
* Non-musician

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-Alzheimer dementia
* Living in care home
* History as a professional musician

Where this trial is running

Buenos Aires and 5 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.
Conditions Alzheimer Diseasemusic and memoryN400music-based interventionmusic therapydementiacognitionmood
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.