Memory for Music (M4M) protocol for an international randomized controlled trial: Effects of individual intensive musical training based on singing in non-musicians with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Lichtensztejn Marcela , Cui Anja-Xiaoxing , Geretsegger Monika , Lundervold Astri J. , Koelsch Stefan , Pfabigan Daniela M. , Assmus Jörg , Langeland Elias , Tabernig Carolina , Skogseth Ragnhild E. , Gold Christian 
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The number of people living with dementia is increasing worldwide. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia. It typically manifests itself initially with cognitive impairment in the memory domain, and gradually progresses towards affecting all activities of daily living. Active music interventions, particularly singing, may improve mood, social behaviour, and quality of life. However, little is known about their effects on cognition, although some studies have provided promising results. The M4M project aims to fill this gap in research by measuring the effects of learning new songs on cognitive functioning. Specifically, M4M will examine memory for new songs in non-musician adults with AD after undergoing intensive versus minimal individual musical training based on singing novel songs.

Methods and analysis

Home-dwelling adults with AD, 65 years or older, will receive 5 months of intensive intervention (2x/week) and 5 months of minimal intervention (1x/month). In a crossover design, participants will be randomized to receive either the intensive or minimal intervention first, with 2 months between the intervention periods. Participants will receive individual music lessons to learn new songs, provided by a music instructor with adequate training. The main outcomes will be measured at the beginning and end of each intervention period. General cognition will be measured with the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale – Cognitive (ADAS-cog) by an assessor blinded to the randomisation. Participants’ memory for music will be measured using the N400 component of electroencephalographic event-related potentials in response to music stimuli. Additional outcomes evaluated during intervention sessions include mood and musical performance observations. With 113 participants randomised, the trial will have 80% power to detect clinically meaningful effects. Relations between mood, memory for music, and cognitive abilities will be examined, with sex, age, AD stage, previous musical training, and education as covariates. M4M will be conducted in close collaboration between academic researchers, service providers, and service users to ensure relevance and applicability.

Ethics and dissemination

Dissemination of findings will apply to local, national, and international levels. The study has been approved by the Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics in Norway.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT06611878.

Strength and limitations

- Based on recent data suggesting that individuals with advanced dementia can learn new songs, our study moves beyond reminiscence-based therapy since the participants will be actively involved in musical training based on singing to learn novel songs

- The study focuses on home-dwelling older adults with dementia. This is becoming more and more important, as interventions that can prolong the period of independent living outside care facilities are urgently needed

- By using EEG technology that is portable, inexpensive, non-invasive, less demanding for participants than other brain imaging examinations, performed in a naturalistic setting, this study will reach people who are less mobile or live in remote areas, thus improving generalisability.

- As a multinational trial conducted in urban and rural settings in high- and middle-income countries, results will be relevant across diverse societies.

- Due to the nature of the intervention, participants cannot be blinded.