Using music to reduce apathy in Parkinson's Disease

The Role of a Personalized Music Intervention Towards Alleviating Apathy in Parkinson's Disease

NA · University of British Columbia · NCT05505019

This study tests whether listening to music can help reduce feelings of apathy in people with Parkinson's Disease.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of British Columbia (other)
Locations1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Trial IDNCT05505019 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of music listening on apathy in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD), a common non-motor symptom that significantly impacts quality of life. Apathy is characterized by a lack of motivation and emotional engagement, and current treatments have been largely ineffective. The research aims to explore how music can influence brain mechanisms associated with motivation and reward-seeking behaviors in PD patients. Participants will engage in music and podcast listening interventions to assess changes in apathy levels and overall functioning.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease who experience symptoms of apathy.

Not a fit: Patients with atypical Parkinsonism, significant cognitive impairment, or other neurological complications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-pharmacological intervention to alleviate apathy in Parkinson's Disease patients, improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive effects of music-based interventions in older adults, suggesting potential for success in this novel application for Parkinson's Disease.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

\- Clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease following MDS Parkinson's disease criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants with atypical Parkinsonism (eg. Progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy, drug induced, etc.)
* Epilepsy
* Other neurological disease/complications (eg. myopathy, stroke, brain lesion, MS)
* Significant cognitive impairment (MoCa \<21)
* Moderate depression (Beck's Depression Inventory \>20)
* Severe/multiple head trauma(s)
* Participants with metal/medical implants, including any of the following: artificial heart valve, brain aneurysm clip, electrical stimulators, ear or eye implant, implanted drug infusion pump, coil, catheter, or filter in any blood vessel, orthopedic hardware such as artificial joint, plate, and/or screws, other metallic prostheses, shrapnel, bullets, or other metal fragments, surgery or tattoos, including tattooed eyeliner, in the last six weeks, cardiac pacemaker, wires or defibrillator, or ferromagnetic aneurysm clip)
* Participants who have gone through specific injuries/brain surgery (eg. an injury where a piece of metal lodged in the eye or orbit)

Where this trial is running

Vancouver, British Columbia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Parkinson Disease, Apathy, Music, Music intervention, Non-motor symptoms

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.