Using music therapy and digital music rehabilitation to help people with dementia
Efficacy of Music Therapy and Digital Music Rehabilitation in Dementia
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 192 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Helsinki Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Helsinki) |
| Trial ID | NCT05520268 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Finnish-speaking individuals aged 60 and older diagnosed with mild to severe dementia.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Helsinki
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.