Music Improvisation Training on Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Description

This project will study the effects and mechanisms of a music improvisation training intervention on self-regulation of older adults with and without MCI. The investigator's overall hypothesis is that improvisation training will lead to improvements in self-regulation, compared to controls, and that improvisation training will be associated with specific changes in prefrontal brain networks and ultimately cognitive engagement.

Conditions

Aging, Cognitive Aging, Cognitive Impairment, Cognitive Training, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Cognitively Normal Older Adults

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

This project will study the effects and mechanisms of a music improvisation training intervention on self-regulation of older adults with and without MCI. The investigator's overall hypothesis is that improvisation training will lead to improvements in self-regulation, compared to controls, and that improvisation training will be associated with specific changes in prefrontal brain networks and ultimately cognitive engagement.

Impact of Music Improvisation Training on Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Music Improvisation Training on Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Condition
Aging
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

San Francisco

Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, San Francisco, California, United States, 94107

San Francisco

Dr. George W. Davis Senior Center, San Francisco, California, United States, 94124

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility 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
  • * 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.
  • * Medical diagnosis of dementia (any etiology)
  • * Inability to move the hands or use all 10 digits (extensive arthritis, neuropathy, missing digits)
  • * Score \< 22 on 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

Ages Eligible for Study

60 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

University of California, San Francisco,

Julene Johnson, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of California, San Francisco

Study Record Dates

2026-05-31