Music Therapy for Older Adults With Cognitive Decline Living in Care Homes

Middlesex University

Status

Completed

Conditions

Cognitive Impairment

Cognitive Decline

Treatments

Behavioral: Storytelling

Behavioral: Music Therapy

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT05856604

ST020-2018

Details and patient eligibility

About

This research aims to investigate whether the use of music-improvisation therapy for older adult participants can lead to improvements in cognitive ability levels, especially in attentional functions. Very relevant reviews highlight studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of Music Therapy training. However, only a few are based on randomised criteria and structured methodological approaches. This affects the generalizability of findings, as to whether Music Therapy interventions are effective in improving cognitive functions, mood, and quality of life of people with cognitive decline.

In order to make a difference, there is a need for more studies that are structured [i] according to rigorous empirical criteria (namely involving random assignment of participants to activity groups), [ii] and that gather scientific evidence, based on both standardized cognitive tests and biomarkers (hormones: Cortisol, or stress hormone, and DHEA or aging hormone; brain signal, EEG; Physiology: Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia).

In this RCT study, the investigator investigated the effect of 4-month music therapy vs Storytelling program for older adults with cognitive decline, living in care homes.

Full description

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

- What are the cognitive-neuropsychological benefits of Music Therapy activities in older adults with mild-moderate cognitive impairment?
- What are the behavioural-wellbeing benefits of Music Therapy activities in older adults with mild-moderate cognitive impairment?
- Can Music Therapy influence the psychophysiological domains (i.e., cortisol/DHEA ratio, RSA) of people with mild-moderate cognitive impairment?

Participants A power sample size calculation with an effect size (f) = 0.26, α= 0.05, Power (1-β) = 0.80 (any level over 0.80 is considered satisfactory) was performed with G*Power software yielding an overall n=32 minimum participant sample.

Participants were randomly allocated by a blind researcher to a MT (experimental group) or a ST intervention (active control group) using a computerised randomisation method.

To minimise a possible drop-out rate with a consequent loss of power, a total of 50 participants were recruited, of which 42 completed the study, 23 in the experimental group and 19 in the control group. All participants underwent a neuropsychological test battery examination. No baseline differences were found between the experimental and control group as to screening demographic variables, MMSE, Cognitive Reserve and a battery of cognitive and behavioural tests. Hence the two groups were equivalent at the start of the study.

DATA ANALYSIS Data of the neuropsychological, well-being and biomarker measures were analysed using a mixed design ANOVA with time (pre-post intervention) as a within-subject factor and group (MT vs ST) as a between-subjects factor. The dependent variables were the cognitive, neuropsychological test and biomarkers tests. Quantitative data were processed using IBM SPSS Statistic 25. Partial eta-square (ηp²) and Cohen's d were used as a measure of effect size.

Enrollment

42 patients

Sex

All

Ages

65+ years old

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Aged ≥60yrs
No significant hearing impairment that would negatively interfere with the music-based interventions
Fluent in English
Cognitive impairment: mild MMSE= 18-23, moderate MMSE= 10-17

Exclusion criteria

Presence of severe motor deficits that would not allow individuals to participate in the intervention
Having taken part in a cognitive training programme or Music Therapy programme within the last 6 months.