Music may boost alertness in advanced Alzheimer's, tiny study hints

NCT ID NCT05309369

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This small study tested whether listening to preferred music (compared to nature sounds) could improve mood and alertness in 10 people with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. Participants listened to 10-minute music segments each hour for 3 hours. The study measured changes in overall clinical impression and self-reported sleepiness. Results are preliminary and from a very small group, so they are not conclusive.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Preferred music listening
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, drug-free way to improve alertness and well-being in people with advanced Alzheimer's.
What could go wrong: This is a very small study (10 people) with no blinding, so results may not apply broadly. The effect may be short-lived or not meaningful in daily life.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alzheimer disease dementia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ALZHEIMER DISEASE DEMENTIA MUSIC THERAPY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Medical University of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States

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