Personalized binaural and spatial music to help with dementia-related symptoms
Official title: Effects of Binaural Beats and Spatialized Music on Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in Assisted Living Facility Residents: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Protocol
Run by Maharishi International University · NCT07626944 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether personalized binaural beat music, spatialized music, or both can help reduce behavioral and mood symptoms in older adults with dementia or age-related changes living in assisted living facilities.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 55 Years to 95 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Maharishi International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Denver, Colorado and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 4, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 27, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 27, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07626944 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults 55–95 years living in the designated Colorado facilities, with consent and sufficient hearing, and at least 50% with a dementia diagnosis or significant age-related changes.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with profound hearing loss, seizure history, claustrophobia, or conditions that preclude participation or assessment may be less likely to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In this interventional study, participants aged 55–95 in two Colorado assisted living communities will be assigned to one of four music conditions: personalized music listening (control), personalized binaural beat music, personalized spatialized music, or the combination of binaural beats with spatialized music. The trial will compare effects on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and caregiver distress over a two-week period. All participants will undergo screening (including S-MMSE), consent procedures, and a customized music preference assessment before randomization. The study will recruit up to 120 participants and will analyze primary and secondary outcomes related to patient symptoms and caregiver experiences.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could offer a nonpharmacologic option to reduce agitation, mood disturbances, and caregiver stress in dementia care.
How similar studies have gone: Prior similar approaches using music therapy show potential benefits for mood and behavior, but the specific binaural and spatialized personalization is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * (1) age 55-95 years; (2) the subject and/or his/her legal guardian have signed written informed consent; (3) the subject is able to complete the entire trial period; and (4) a minimum of fifty percent of the subjects will have a diagnosis of a dementia condition with a moderate to severe progression. Exclusion Criteria: * (1) profound hearing loss or impairment; (2) history of seizures, epilepsy (especially sound-induced epilepsy), claustrophobia, or other conditions that put the subject at risk during the trial; (3) physical or mental conditions that may result in inability to complete and/or affect the efficacy of assessment.
Where it's running
-
Woodland Estates Senior Living
Denver, Colorado, United States Recruiting -
Woodlake Legacy Senior Living
Lakewood, Colorado, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Paul Oomen, MMus
- Email: poomen@nemolabs.info
- Phone: +36203980356
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.