Virtual music therapy for Alzheimer's patients
Music Therapy for Autobiographical Memory and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Alzheimer Disease
This study is trying out virtual music therapy sessions for people with mild Alzheimer's to see if it can improve their memory, mood, and overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT05151562 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study assesses the feasibility of individualized reminiscence-based virtual music therapy sessions aimed at enhancing autobiographical memory, mood, and cognition in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Over 8 weeks, 60 participants will engage in two 30-minute virtual music therapy sessions per week, totaling 16 sessions. Outcomes such as cognitive function, anxiety, quality of life, and autobiographical memory will be evaluated before and after the intervention, alongside fMRI measurements to assess brain activity. The study aims to explore the potential of non-pharmacological interventions in addressing the neuropsychiatric needs of these patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-89 with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's Disease.
Not a fit: Patients with significant head trauma, claustrophobia, or incompatible medical devices will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve cognitive function and quality of life for patients with Alzheimer's Disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual music therapy has increased, its specific impact on reminiscence in Alzheimer's patients is minimally explored, making this a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-89 * Mild Cognitive Impairment (MoCA score: 18-25) or Early AD (MoCA score: 17-24) Exclusion Criteria: * Head trauma, traumatic brain injury, or concussion with loss of consciousness for \>2 minutes * Claustrophobia incompatible with MRI scanning * Medical device incompatible with MRI scanning (e.g. cardiac pacemaker, implanted cardiac defibrillator, aneurysm brain clip, inner ear implant) * Prior history as a metal worker and/or certain metallic objects in the body * Exclusion Criteria will be carefully determined by the MRI screening form.
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alexander Pantelyat, MD — Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Alexander Pantelyat, MD
- Email: apantel1@jhmi.edu
- Phone: 4105023290
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.