Music-based approach to reduce anxiety in Alzheimer's patients and support caregivers

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, dyad-focused trial compares Clinically Designed Improvisatory Music (CDIM) with a calming listening control over eight 30-minute sessions across four weeks. Participants are people with Alzheimer's disease and anxiety and their caregivers, enrolled as 30 patient–caregiver pairs. The intervention uses slow tempo, simple melodies, soft dynamics, and pauses to promote relaxation, and the control condition involves listening to calming short stories. Outcomes include changes in anxiety and caregiver burden, along with safety and feasibility measures. Eligibility requires confirmed Alzheimer's diagnosis with positive biomarkers, MMSE of 15 or higher, RAID score above 8, and no significant hearing loss or severe depression.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria

* Clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
* Positive Alzheimer's disease biomarkers (blood test, amyloid PET scan or CSF)
* Mini-mental State Exam (MMSE) \>=15
* Rating for Anxiety in Dementia (RAID) score \> 8

Exclusion Criteria

* Significant hearing impairments
* Major comorbidities Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores above \> 10'

Where it's running

• Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
  Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Borna Bonakdarpour - Associate Professor, MD, FAAN, FANA
• Email: bbk@northwestern.edu
• Phone: (312) 503-5170

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.