Remote Dementia Research Study
Researchers at Duke University are conducting a study with adults living with dementia and their caregivers to learn how personalized music may improve sleep and well-being.
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Fast Facts
Adults living with dementia
Live at home with a caregiver who is willing to participate
Compensation
provided up to $250
Conducted remotely
Study Background
Join a Duke study on music, sleep, and well-being for adults with dementia and their caregivers.
Sleep problems are common in adults living with dementia and can increase stress and reduce quality of life for both the individual and their caregiver. This study aims to understand whether personalized, calming music played at night can help improve sleep, reduce stress, and support overall well-being for both members of the care team.
By exploring how music affects sleep and daily functioning, we hope to identify safe, enjoyable approaches that can improve quality of life and provide practical support for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Study Background
Join a Duke study on music, sleep, and well-being for adults with dementia and their caregivers.
Sleep problems are common in adults living with dementia and can increase stress and reduce quality of life for both the individual and their caregiver. This study aims to understand whether personalized, calming music played at night can help improve sleep, reduce stress, and support overall well-being for both members of the care team.
By exploring how music affects sleep and daily functioning, we hope to identify safe, enjoyable approaches that can improve quality of life and provide practical support for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Pro00115115
Additional Information
In this research study, we are trying to understand how sleep and well-being are affected in adults living with dementia. We aim to learn whether personalized, calming music can improve sleep and reduce stress for both people living with dementia and their caregivers. Sleep problems in dementia are linked to changes in brain function, daily routines, and stress levels, and we will measure all of these. We will also explore whether using music as an intervention can meaningfully improve sleep and overall well-being. To do this, we are using a structured, research-based approach, providing activities that are safe, enjoyable, and designed to support the brain and the body’s natural sleep processes.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults living with dementia, age 60 or older
- Experiencing sleep difficulties, such as trouble falling or staying asleep, waking at night, or frequent daytime napping
- Have a caregiver who provides at least 4 hours of care per day and is willing to participate
Exclusion Criteria:
- Significant hearing loss that would make listening to music difficult
- Living in assisted living, group homes, or other non-private residences
- Bedbound or unable to participate in study activities
- Planning to move to a nursing home or residential facility within 3 months
The study lasts approximately 4–6 weeks. Once enrolled, participation involves:
From home:
- You and your caregiver will use the CoMPoSER music app or follow a sleep education routine for 4 weeks.
- You’ll be asked to complete short daily surveys about sleep and well-being, which take just a few minutes each day.
- People living with dementia will wear a Fitbit to track sleep throughout the study.
- Caregivers will collect saliva samples on two days at the start and end of the study (intervention group only).
Virtual visits:
- Two Zoom visits (at the start and end of the 4-week study) will include electronic consent, background questions, and assessments of sleep and stress.
- Four weekly check-in calls from a study team member to provide support and answer questions.
- A 3-month follow-up where caregivers complete online surveys, and people living with dementia wear the Fitbit for 2 weeks.
As a participant, you and your caregiver may receive up to $250 in gift cards for completing the study activities.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.