Using music therapy and digital music rehabilitation to help people with dementia
Official title: Efficacy of Music Therapy and Digital Music Rehabilitation in Dementia
Run by University of Helsinki · NCT05520268 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether music therapy and digital music programs can help people with dementia feel better and improve their daily lives.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 192 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Helsinki Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Helsinki) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | February 6, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05520268 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are Finnish-speaking individuals aged 60 and older diagnosed with mild to severe dementia.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with prior severe psychiatric illnesses, major hearing or visual impairments, or those unable to participate physically or cognitively may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of conventional music therapy and digital music rehabilitation for individuals with dementia in both home and care home environments. It aims to determine whether these music-based interventions can improve cognitive function, mood, and quality of life compared to standard care. The study will also explore how the efficacy of these interventions varies across different stages of dementia and how individual factors such as age, gender, and musical background influence treatment outcomes. A total of 192 participants with varying degrees of dementia will be involved in this randomized controlled trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the quality of life and cognitive functioning for patients with dementia through innovative music-based interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown positive effects of music interventions in dementia care, indicating a promising approach, though this specific combination of methods is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed dementia (according to International Classification of Diseases \[ICD\] criteria), which is mild \[Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score: 0.5-1, Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) score: 3-4\], moderate (CDR: 2, GDS: 4-6), or severe (CDR: 3, GDS: 6-7) dementia * Age ≥ 60 years * Finnish-speaking (or bilingual; the study is performed in Finnish) * Stable physical and somatic condition (no major changes in psychotropic medication during the last 3 months) * Physically and cognitively able to take part in the intervention and assessments. Exclusion Criteria: * Prior severe psychiatric illness or substance abuse * Major hearing or visual impairment
Where it's running
-
University of Helsinki / Faculty of Medicine / Department of Psychology
Helsinki, Finland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Teppo Särkämö, PhD — University of Helsinki
- Study coordinator: Anni Pitkäniemi, MA
- Email: anni.pitkaniemi@helsinki.fi
- Phone: +358503115872
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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.