Using music to improve memory in healthy older adults
Multimodal Musical Stimulation for Healthy Neurocognitive Aging
This study is testing whether listening to music can help improve memory in healthy older adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 95 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Northeastern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06229093 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial investigates the effects of multimodal musical stimulation on working memory in healthy older and younger adults. Participants will undergo testing with both musical and control stimulation conditions while their brain activity is monitored through electroencephalography. The study aims to understand how music can stimulate brain oscillations that are crucial for cognitive functions, potentially leading to innovative brain-stimulation devices for cognitive enhancement in aging. By focusing on gamma-band energy during music listening, the research seeks to improve memory and cognition in older adults.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are neurologically healthy older and younger adults with normal or corrected-to-normal vision and mild hearing loss.
Not a fit: Patients with moderate to severe hearing loss, significant visual impairments, or recent neurological or psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-invasive method to enhance memory and cognitive function in aging individuals.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of music for cognitive enhancement is a growing field, this specific approach of multimodal musical stimulation targeting brain oscillations is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * normal or corrected-to-normal vision * no more than mild hearing loss * no recent history of neurological or psychiatric disorders, including mood disorders or use of medications that may affect cognition or responsiveness to music. Exclusion Criteria: * moderate or severe hearing loss (40+ dB) * visual impairment (including color blindness) that cannot be corrected with glasses or contacts * recently changed dosage of cholinesterase inhibitors or psychotropic medication * recent history of psychotic or schizophrenic episodes * major neurologic diagnosis or other condition that might impair cognition or confound assessments (dementia, ADRD; Parkinson's disease, stroke, brain injury, epilepsy, or recent cardiovascular or neurovascular event) * recent history of serious physical trauma or diagnosis of serious chronic health condition requiring medical treatment and monitoring .
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Northeastern University — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Psyche Loui, PhD — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Corinna Parrish
- Email: c.parrish@northeastern.edu
- Phone: 781-474-3141
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.