RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Benefits of Personalised Music in Dementia - a Feasibility Study

This research looks into how listening to music chosen specifically for someone with dementia might help them. The main study is finding the best ways to create and deliver these personalised music playlists easily and affordably, particularly for people living in care homes. Researchers want to see how individuals react to their special music selections. They are also developing a smartphone app to help families create playlists for loved ones at home and are studying how music affects the brain using special scans. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the lives of people with dementia by understanding the benefits of personalised music and making it more accessible.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Music for my Mind

Enrolment target

1,080

Start

28 Nov 2019

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2026

Dementia

What is this study about?

This study is all about understanding how personalised music can help people living with dementia. Imagine creating a special playlist just for you, filled with songs that bring back happy memories from your younger years. Researchers believe this kind of music might have a real positive impact, but they need to figure out the best ways to create and deliver these playlists, and how to tell if they're actually making a difference.

Initially, the study focuses on care homes, working with residents who have mild to moderate dementia. They'll ask residents and their carers about favourite songs and then create short lists of music. By playing snippets and watching reactions – like facial expressions, movements, and even pulse rate – they'll refine these into a perfect playlist. Care staff will use these playlists, and researchers will gather feedback to understand when and how the music is most helpful. Recent changes have expanded the study to include people with more advanced dementia, and a new part of the study is creating a web app for families at home to make playlists and share their experiences.

A really exciting part of this research involves a special type of brain scan called fMRI. This will help scientists look at how personalised music actually affects the brain. The long-term goal is to use everything learned from this study to create automated tools, like apps, that can help many more people with dementia enjoy the benefits of their own special music.

Key takeaways

This study explores how *personal music* can help people with dementia.
It aims to create easy ways to make and deliver custom music playlists.
The research includes people in care homes and families using a new web app at home.
Scientists are using brain scans (fMRI) to understand how music affects the brain.
Your individual music tastes and memories are central to this research.
The goal is to improve well-being and develop future tools for dementia care.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in the main study, you would need to be living in a care home that has agreed to join, specifically one run by Quantum Care Home Group in South East England. The care home staff or a medical professional would need to have said that you have symptoms of dementia.

Crucially, a family member or carer would need to be willing to help out by sharing information about your past musical likes and dislikes, and later, giving feedback on how you respond to the music. You should also be able to communicate in English. If you can't give your own permission to join, a family member or someone legally responsible for your care would need to agree on your behalf.

Families at home can also join the WebApp part of the study if they have a loved one with dementia and want to create a personalised playlist for them, providing feedback on the impact.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Am I living in a Quantum Care Home Group care home?
Has a doctor or care home staff member said I have dementia?
Is a family member or carer willing to help with music choices and feedback?
Can I communicate in English?
If I can't give consent, is a legal representative willing to support my participation?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the main study in a care home, it involves several steps. First, researchers will talk to you and a family member or carer to understand your musical tastes, especially from your teenage years. Based on this, a long list of about 100 songs will be created. Then, during a special session (up to an hour), you'll listen to short parts of these songs. You'll wear a wrist monitor to check your movement and pulse, and the session might be filmed to help researchers observe your reactions. You, your family, and care staff will provide feedback on how the music affects you. There’s no mention of specific medication changes as part of this study, and the overall duration for each participant isn't specified, but it's a feasibility study meaning it's testing processes to prepare for a larger study.

If you join the WebApp study, it involves using a recently developed online tool (WebApp) to create a personalised music playlist for your loved one living with dementia at home. After using the playlist, you would then share your thoughts and perceptions on how the music has impacted their well-being.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no significant physical risks expected from listening to music. The main benefit hoped for is an improvement in well-being and possibly a reduction in some challenging behaviours for people with dementia. There's also the chance to help researchers develop better ways to use music to support others in the future. The study involves being observed and filmed during music sessions, which might feel a little unusual, but your comfort is important. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this won't affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Willow Court
Verified postcode
Harpenden, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of music will I listen to?

The music will be chosen specifically for you, based on your tastes and background, especially from your teenage years.

Will I be filmed?

Some music listening sessions in care homes may be filmed to help researchers understand reactions, but you'll be asked for permission first.

Do I have to be in a care home to join?

The main part of the study is for people in specific care homes, but a new part lets families at home use a special app to create playlists.

What is fMRI?

fMRI is a special type of brain scan that helps scientists see which parts of the brain are active when you listen to music.

Can I stop taking part if I change my mind?

Yes, you can stop taking part in the study at any time, and it won't affect any care or treatment you receive.

How to find out more

Keith McAdam

keith@musicformymind.com 07890298514 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.