Can live music soothe severe dementia? new trial hopes to find out

NCT ID NCT06605157

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This pilot study tests a live music therapy program called AMUSED for older adults with severe dementia living in care facilities. Participants attend small group sessions twice a week for 12 weeks, either with music therapy or a reading activity. Researchers want to see if music therapy can improve engagement and reduce behavioral symptoms, and whether it is practical to run a larger trial.

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 (AMUSED)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to help people with severe dementia feel more engaged and have fewer behavioral symptoms.

What could go wrong

This is a small pilot study with only 45 people, so results may not apply to everyone. It is testing feasibility, not yet proven effectiveness.

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.

Behavioral Symptoms dementia Language Speech

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Cedar Ridge Health Campus

    Cynthiana, Kentucky, 41031, United States

  • Daisy Hill Senior Living

    Versailles, Kentucky, 40383, United States

  • Mayfair Manor

    Lexington, Kentucky, 40502, United States

  • Sayre Christian Village

    Lexington, Kentucky, 40517, United States

  • The Homeplace at Midway

    Midway, Kentucky, 40347, United States

  • Thomson-Hood Veterans Center

    Wilmore, Kentucky, 40390, United States

  • University of Kentucky

    Lexington, Kentucky, 40506, United States

  • Walker's Trail Senior Living

    Danville, Kentucky, 40422, United States