The effects of music on memory in older adults with mild memory loss

What is this Study about?

The purpose of this current study is to investigate verbal learning and memory performance in older adults who have noticed a change in their memory or are experiencing mild memory loss, and whether the addition of a musical template could lead to improvements in memory performance, as previously shown in adults with Alzheimer’s disease, in order to enhance music-based treatment strategies for older adults with memory problems. The study is conducted by the Music and Health Sciences Research Collaboratory in collaboration with Baycrest Centre.

What Will Happen in This Study?

Visit 1: An initial screening visit where you answer Demographic Questions and complete Memory Testing. We will evaluate your eligibility to participate in this study.

Visit 2-4: Baseline/ 2-Week Follow Up/ 4-Week Follow Up

You will be asked to complete a word learning test for auditory verbal learning and memory assessment, while undergoing Electroencephalography Recording: During these experiments, you will be asked to wear an EEG cap. This is a non-invasive device that can capture how, when, and where in the brain auditory and memory systems interact. The EEG caps are harmless and will not cause pain.

Who is Eligible to Participate in this Study?

We are inviting older adults between 60 and 85 years of age to participate who meet the following criteria:

You have mild memory loss or noticed a change in your memory

A reliable study partner is encouraged but not required (spouse, child, close friend or family member)

You have travel ability to Baycrest Centre

Ability to speak English

 

All participants should ensure they meet the following exclusion criteria:

Have normal or corrected to normal hearing

Have no current unstable psychiatric illness

Have no current or past experience with substance abuse

Have no known history of neurological disorders, brain injury, symptomatic stroke, or head

trauma.

Have no current or past learning or attentional disorder

Have not participated in any formal musical training in the past 10 years

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