Can music soothe dementia? new study tests therapy in care homes

NCT ID NCT05176444

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Anglia Ruskin University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a 12-week music therapy program for 76 care home residents with dementia or cognitive impairment. Residents received individual music therapy sessions, and staff were trained to use music techniques. The goal was to see if music therapy could reduce unmet care needs and improve quality of life. This was a small feasibility trial, not designed to prove effectiveness, but to see if such a program could work in real care home settings.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: music therapy
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that music therapy helps improve the quality of care and well-being for people with dementia in care homes.
What could go wrong: This is a small feasibility study with only 76 participants and no comparison group, so results may not apply widely. It tests whether the approach works in practice, not whether it cures or reverses dementia.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Cognitive Dysfunction dementia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT DEMENTIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Greenacres, Banstead

London, Surrey, SM7 2BQ, United Kingdom
Hatfield House

Doncaster, DN7 6JQ, United Kingdom
Herries Lodge

Sheffield, S5 8TT, United Kingdom
Kimberly Court

Newquay, TR7 1JG, United Kingdom
Oak Tree Lodge

Leeds, LS9 6BT, United Kingdom
Oakleigh, Godstone

London, Surrey, RH9 8BD, United Kingdom
Prior Bank

Sheffield, S11 9AB, United Kingdom
Ridgemount

Banstead, Surrey, SM7 2BQ, United Kingdom
Simon Marks Court

Leeds, LS21 1RJ, United Kingdom
St Anne's

Saltash, PL12 6DJ, United Kingdom
Wharfside

Otley, LS21 1RJ, United Kingdom

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