Music Intervention for Dementia

This trial tests a mobile app called CoMPoSER, which plays calming music to help people with dementia and their caregivers sleep better and feel less stressed. Researchers aim to determine if listening to personalized music at bedtime improves sleep and well-being for both groups. People with dementia who have trouble sleeping, along with their caregivers who live with them and provide daily support, might be a good fit for this study.

As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance sleep and reduce stress for many.

The trial requires that participants with dementia stay on a stable dose of their current psychotropic medications.

Research has shown that music activities, such as using the CoMPoSER app, are generally safe for people with dementia. Studies have found that music therapy can lift mood, reduce anxiety, and lessen agitation in older adults with dementia, without causing major side effects. For example, organized music sessions significantly calmed agitation and anxiety. Additionally, music therapy has been linked to improved thinking skills and does not increase the likelihood of participants leaving studies. These findings suggest that music as a therapy tool is well-tolerated and safe for individuals with dementia.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the Music Intervention for Dementia trial because it explores a unique, non-pharmacological approach to improving sleep in dementia patients. Unlike traditional treatments that often rely on medications with potential side effects, this trial uses CoMPoSER, a mobile app that delivers calming, personalized music to enhance sleep. This innovative method could offer a safer, more accessible alternative for managing sleep disturbances in dementia without the need for medication. The trial also includes a Sleep Education Group, which provides participants with valuable insights into sleep hygiene, potentially empowering them with practical knowledge to improve their sleep quality.

Research has shown that music therapy can enhance thinking skills and quality of life for people with dementia. Studies have found that structured music activities significantly reduce restlessness and anxiety in older adults with dementia. Music therapy also addresses sleep problems, which are common in this population. In this trial, participants in the CoMPoSER Intervention Group will use a mobile application that plays personalized calming music to aid sleep by making it easier to fall asleep, stay asleep, and achieve better overall rest. Overall, music therapy offers a promising non-drug treatment for various dementia symptoms.²⁵⁶⁷⁸