The purpose of this study is to scientifically validate the impact of music therapy on Alzheimer's disease (AD) by analyzing molecular biomarkers in salivary exosomes. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that carry molecular signals from brain cells, providing a non-invasive method to assess physiological changes.
Music therapy has long been recognized as a beneficial intervention for individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD), with evidence supporting improvements in mood, cognitive function, and behavioral symptoms. However, despite widespread clinical use, the biological mechanisms underlying these benefits remain poorly understood. Most studies on music therapy in AD have relied on behavioral observations and qualitative assessments, lacking objective, molecular-level validation. Recent advancements in exosome research have opened new possibilities for non-invasive biomarker analysis. Exosomes, small extracellular vesicles released by cells, carry molecular signatures that reflect physiological states, including neurochemical changes associated with AD. However, to date, no study has investigated whether music therapy induces measurable changes in exosome biomarkers related to AD pathology. Key gaps in current knowledge include: 1. Lack of molecular validation for music therapy: While clinical benefits have been reported, no study has demonstrated the neurochemical effects of music therapy on biomolecular markers. 2. Unclear mechanisms of action: It remains unknown whether music therapy modulates neurotransmitter levels (serotonin, dopamine) or pathological proteins (amyloid-beta, tau) associated with AD. 3. Absence of personalized treatment approaches: Without biomarker-based validation, music therapy is typically applied in a one-size-fits-all manner, rather than being tailored to individual neurochemical profiles. 4. Limited non-invasive monitoring tools: Current methods for assessing treatment efficacy rely on neuroimaging or invasive procedures, which are costly and impractical for routine clinical use. This study seeks to address these gaps by leveraging salivary exosomes as a novel, non-invasive platform to quantify molecular changes induced by music therapy in AD patients.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
80
UCF music concert where the participants will listen to symphonic, classical music for 1 hour.
University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida, United States
Effect of music therapy in Alzheimer's patients by analyzing salivary exosomes
To determine the effect of music therapy on key neurochemical biomarkers in Alzheimer's patients by analyzing serotonin, dopamine, amyloid-beta, and tau protein levels in salivary exosomes before and after music therapy sessions.
Time frame: 6 months
Identifying therapeutic benefits by correlating changes in biomarkers
To establish a molecular basis for the therapeutic benefits of music therapy by correlating changes in biomarker levels with cognitive, emotional, and behavioral outcomes in AD patients.
Time frame: 6 months
Identify differences in individual participant biomarkers
To explore the potential for personalized music therapy by identifying individual differences in biomarker responses, which could guide tailored therapeutic interventions for optimal patient outcomes.
Time frame: 6 months
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