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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 95

Using music to improve memory in healthy older adults

Official title: Multimodal Musical Stimulation for Healthy Neurocognitive Aging

Run by Northeastern University · NCT06229093 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether listening to music can help improve memory in healthy older adults.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 95 Years
SexAll
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorNortheastern University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 11, 2022
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2027
Study endsDecember 31, 2027
Registry record updatedJuly 10, 2025
Trial IDNCT06229093 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are neurologically healthy older and younger adults with normal or corrected-to-normal vision and mild hearing loss.

Probably 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.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

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 gone: 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.

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • Northeastern University
    Boston, Massachusetts, United States     Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.