Music therapy for patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease

A Randomized, Blinded, Controlled Trial of Music Therapy Singing Interventions for Patients With MCI and AD

Not applicable Interventional Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NCT04666077

This study tests whether different types of music therapy can help improve memory and language skills in people with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages55 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Academic / other
Locations2 sites (New York, New York and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04666077 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effects of different music therapy experiences on memory and language in individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. Over a 12-month period, participants will engage in various music therapy interventions, including home-based supervised singing and individualized music therapy, while a control group will experience pleasant events without music. Participants will undergo cognitive testing and medical reviews throughout the study, with regular contact from the music therapy team. The study aims to assess improvements in cognitive function and quality of life for these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include English-speaking individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment who have a study partner and no significant verbal impairment.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia, significant psychiatric disorders, or comorbidities that interfere with participation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance cognitive function and quality of life for patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment through music therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with music therapy approaches for cognitive improvement, indicating potential for success in this study.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment
* Must have study partner
* English speaking
* No verbal impairment
* Community-dwelling
* Must have webcam or smart phone

Exclusion Criteria:

* A diagnosis of dementia other than probable or possible AD
* Probable AD with Down syndrome
* History of a clinically significant stroke with residual deficit
* Current evidence or history in past two years of epilepsy, focal brain lesion, head injury
* Current diagnosis for major psychiatric disorder including psychosis, major depression, bipolar disorder, alcohol or substance abuse.
* Participation in another interventional study
* Comorbidity causing disability interfering with intervention such as pain or discomfort or life expectancy less than 1 year

Where this trial is running

New York, New York and 1 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's DiseaseMild Cognitive Impairmentmusicmusic therapymemoryexecutive functioncognitive functioncaregiver burden
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.