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

NCT ID NCT05176444

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

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