Music for the Mind Study

University of Rochester18 enrolled

Overview

The goal of this pilot clinical trial is to learn if older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) find two music programs equally acceptable. This pilot study will help researchers prepare for a future, large-scale clinical trial to learn if music training can slow cognitive decline and promote emotional well-being in those at risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The main questions this pilot study aims to answer are: * Do participants like the music programs? * Do participants stay enrolled in the study? * Do participants report perceived benefits of the programs for their emotional well-being or everyday memory? Participants will: * Participate in 12-weekly sessions of piano lessons or music lessons, with group and individual lessons alternating each week. * Have home practice in between lessons, with a keyboard or other instruments provided. * Keep a diary of their home practice and their mood before and after practice. * Participate in interviews before and after the 12-week programs.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)Memory Disorders, Age Related

Interventions

Piano lessonsBEHAVIORAL

The program consists of 12-weekly piano lessons, alternating small group lessons and individual lessons each week. Individual lessons reinforce and help personalize what is instructed during group lessons. Lessons are tailored to help older adults with memory challenges learn note reading, finger positioning, and song playing. Participants are asked to practice at home in between lessons for 10 minutes per day, 5 times per week, with a keyboard and bench provided.

Music LessonsBEHAVIORAL

The program consists of 12-weekly music lessons, alternating small group lessons and individual lessons each week. Individual lessons reinforce and help personalize what is instructed during group lessons. Lessons are tailored to help older adults with memory challenges learn various instruments, engage in group playing during group lessons, and engage in music appreciation activities. Participants are asked to practice at home in between lessons for 10 minutes per day, 5 times per week, with instruments provided.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 60 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged ≥ 60 years * English-speaking * Community-dwelling * Medical diagnosis of MCI by a physician or research diagnostic criteria for MCI, defined by having Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), with a cutoff of 20- 25 (further adjusted for racial/ethnic differences) * Capable to consent as identified by the University of California, San Diego Brief Assessment of Capacity to Consent (UBACC) * No severe psychiatric condition (e.g., bipolar disorder) Exclusion Criteria: * Demonstrate musicality knowledge, as assessed by the Musicality Assessment developed by the study team * Currently participating in a formal music activity (performance, classes, lessons, etc.) * Major impairment in eyesight or hearing that precludes music reading, hearing, or engagement in the class * Any difficulty using a keyboard (portable electric piano) due to pain, neuropathy, tremor, or upper finger/hand/limb injury

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Percent of participants who complete the 12-week program they are randomly assigned to

The proportion of participants who complete the program. Feasibility of retention is defined as \> 80% of enrolled participants in each group complete at least 10 lesson sessions.

Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the program at 12 weeks

Secondary Outcomes

Expectancy of the 12-week program they are randomly assigned to

This outcome is measured by a 6-item self-reported Credibility/ Expectancy Questionnaire (CEQ) that measure participants' views about the expected efficacy of the 12-week program they are randomly assigned to.

Time frame: At enrollment

Percent of participants who are approached and consent to the study

The proportion of participants are approached and consenting to the study. Feasibility of recruitment is defined as \> 50% of screened participants consenting to enroll.