Cognitive Health Research on Musical Arts (CHROMA)
Cognitive Impairment, Creativity
About this trial
This is an interventional supportive care trial for Cognitive Impairment focused on measuring mild cognitive impairment, musical arts, whole brain network, cognition, aging
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosed with early to moderate mild cognitive impairment (self-described and confirmed by physician).
- Able to read and write in English
- Grip strength no lower than 2 standard deviation below the average in their age group
Exclusion Criteria:
- Significant visual or auditory impairment resulting in the inability to read and/or hear the questionnaires
- Class III heart failure
- Autoimmune and/or inflammatory disorders
- Any implanted medical device that renders one unable to undergo fMRI scanning
- Pregnant or nursing women
- Weight > 300lb or BMI over 40
- Professional musician
- Diagnosed with comorbid Parkinson's Disease
Sites / Locations
- Rice University Bioscience Research CollaborativeRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
No Intervention
Music Group
Non-music group
Individuals in the music group will complete two assessment visit (pre-intervention and post-intervention). After their baseline visit, they will participate in a 6-week group music class, scheduled for 2 hours a day, 3 days a week. The daily music workshops will be led by a musician associated with the Rice Shepherd School of Music. Each week will be carefully scaled in difficulty, with the workshops becoming progressively more sophisticated. For instance, the first week's listening will focus on short and more familiar works such as instrumental etudes and folk songs. Gradually, the instructor will build towards symphonic movements, as well as more unfamiliar and experimental music. The course will culminate in creating a final composition.
Individuals in the non-music group will complete two assessment visits separated by 2-3 months. They will be asked not to participate in any other music-related courses during the time they are enrolled in the study. At the end of participation, participants will be given resources to seek out music classes.