Jamming your way to a sharper mind: music improv studied in seniors
NCT ID NCT05980286
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study explored whether music improvisation training can improve self-regulation and brain function in older adults, including those with mild memory problems. Fifty-three volunteers aged 60 and over took part in the training. The goal was to see if this creative activity could help maintain cognitive health as we age.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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53 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Oct 2022
- Finished
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Jun 2023
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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60 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 60 and over * Living independently in the community * Sufficient visual and hearing acuity (age-related to normal hearing loss, with assistive devices) as measured by audiometer * Less than three years of formal music training (as indicated by private music lessons does not include group or ensemble classes) and not currently reading or engaging in music performance * English fluency rated fairly well to well * Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score of 22-30 or diagnosis of "mild cognitive impairment * Not currently taking psychoactive medications, antidepressants, or sleep medications that could adversely affect cognitive abilities. Exclusion criteria: * Medical diagnosis of dementia (any etiology) * Inability to move the hands or use all 10 digits (extensive arthritis, neuropathy, missing digits) * Score \< 22 on Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) * Current (but not prior) severe psychiatric disorder, serious medical condition (e.g., stroke, TIA) that would interfere with participation in the study * Poor English fluency * Musician or previously trained in jazz improvisation, more than three years of formal music instruction or training and/or currently engaged in musical performance * Plans to move out of the area within six months
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS) Sites
San Francisco, California, 94103, United States
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