Music & Memory Research Study
At the Music, Imaging, and Neural Dynamics Laboratory (MIND) at Northeastern University, we are investigating the effects of music and multisensory stimulation on brain activity in adults who are experiencing memory loss.
Fast Facts
Experiencing Memory Loss
50+
Years Old
Compensation
Provided
Conducted in
Boston, MA
Study Background
The Impact of Music Brain Stimulation in Adults with Memory Loss
The MIND Lab is seeking older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or those who may be experiencing Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) to participate in a research study on how music listening affects brain activity and gene expression. We will record the participant’s brain activity using a safe, non-invasive procedure called EEG (electroencephalography) as they listen to recorded music via headphones and watch lighting effects that synchronize to the beat of the music.
Study Background
The Impact of Music Brain Stimulation in Adults with Memory Loss
The MIND Lab is seeking older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or those who may be experiencing Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) to participate in a research study on how music listening affects brain activity and gene expression. We will record the participant’s brain activity using a safe, non-invasive procedure called EEG (electroencephalography) as they listen to recorded music via headphones and watch lighting effects that synchronize to the beat of the music.
Additional Information
The MIND Lab conducts research at the intersection of music and the brain. One facet of our research is finding ways music can be used to help people with neurological and psychiatric disorders. In this study, we want to find out how listening to music affects brain activity in adults with memory issues. Eventually, we hope that findings from this study could lead to better non-invasive treatment strategies for memory loss and related conditions.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 50+ years old
- Experiencing memory loss (e.g., forgetting recent conversations, misplacing items, repeating questions, getting lost in familiar places)
- Identify as non-White or Hispanic
- Normal hearing
Exclusion Criteria:
- Changed dosage of cholinesterase inhibitors or anti-psychotic, panic or anxiety medication in the last 6 weeks
- History of any psychotic/schizophrenic episodes, major neurologic diagnosis, or other conditions that might impair cognition
- History of chemotherapy in the past 10 years
- Have experienced recent physical trauma or been diagnosed with a condition that requires ongoing medical treatment and monitoring
- Participated in another intervention within the last 30 days
This study will take place in-person at the Northeastern Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex. After a pre-screening phone interview, eligible participants will be enrolled in individualized listening programs.
In-person sessions may consist of listening/cognitive tasks, completing surveys, an MRI scan and/or EEG recording of the brain, and/or blood draws.
Compensation is $20/hour upon completion of the study.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.