Observing the impact of personalized music on agitated behaviors in dementia patients

Using Structured Observations to Evaluate the Effects of a Personalized Music Intervention on Agitated Behaviors and Mood in Nursing Home Residents With Dementia: Results From an Embedded, Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial

November 2, 2023

Authors, including IMPACT members, Roee Gutman, PhD, Vincent Mor, PhD, James Rudolph, MD, SM, Rosa Baier, MPH, and Ellen McCreedy, PhD, MPH explored whether implementation of a personalized music intervention decreased the frequency of agitated behaviors in nursing home residents with dementia. They measured impact by using structured observations conducted as part of a randomized controlled trial design.

The authors found that personalized music decreased the frequency of verbally agitated behaviors in residents randomized to receive the treatment compared to residents randomized to a usual care control. No effect of the intervention was found on physically agitated behaviors. The intervention also increased observed pleasure.

This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of a non-pharmacological intervention for temporary relief in verbal behaviors in nursing home residents with dementia.

Read the full article.

Apply Now for the 3rd Annual Virtual ePCT Training Workshop | January 25-26, 2023

Building Skills to Conduct Embedded Pragmatic Clinical Trials for People Living with Dementia and their Care Partners

Wednesday, January 25th, 2023  |  11:00am - 3:30pm ET
Thursday, January 26th, 2023  |  11:00am - 5:00pm ET

Apply here!

This year’s modules will focus on:

  • Using real-world data to identify PLWD and ascertain outcomes in ePCTs
  • Designing the implementation evaluation for an ePCT
  • Defining a pilot: What is a pilot study for an ePCT?

The IMPACT Collaboratory will hold our third annual Training Workshop on January 25-26, 2023 entitled Building Skills to Conduct Embedded Pragmatic Clinical Trials (ePCTs) among People Living with Dementia (PLWD) and their Care Partners. This 1.5-day virtual workshop features all new material to build a foundation in practical aspects of designing and conducting ePCTs in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD-related dementias (ADRD). The workshop will include a combination of activities including: panel discussions, small group sessions, and networking opportunities with experts in the field.

We are inviting applications from early to mid-stage researchers who seek to develop competence in designing and conducting ePCTs of non-pharmacological interventions embedded in health care systems for PLWD and care partners.

Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Transmit knowledge about designing and conducting ePCTs among PLWD and care partners in health care systems that integrates considerations related to identifying PLWD and ascertaining pragmatic outcomes
  • Problem-solve common challenges in designing and conducting ePCTs for PLWD and care partners
  • Apply the acquired knowledge to move their current and future research in ePCTs forward, including applying for competitive funding

Successful applicants will be expected to complete selected readings and online training prior to the workshop. All participants are expected to attend and participate in the entire 1.5-day event.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your online application using the following link:
IMPACT Training Workshop Application

Deadline: October 21, 2022

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Applicants should have an MD, PhD, or equivalent research degree
  • Hold a full-time position at an academic or research organization in the United States
  • Early-stage investigators pursuing careers conducting ePCTs in AD/ADRD
  • Mid-career investigators seeking to pursue research on ePCTs in AD/ADRD

Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Selection Criteria: Applicants will be selected based on their demonstrated commitment to improving care of PLWD and/or their care partners through the conduct of ePCTs in HCS and the potential impact of the workshop on promoting the applicant’s career in this area.

Find the working agenda and more information about the workshop on our website at impactcollaboratory.org/training-workshop. Email IMPACTcollaboratory@hsl.harvard.edu with questions regarding this opportunity.

The 2021-2022 Lived Experience Panel Report: Priorities for Person and Caregiver Relevant Outcomes in Dementia Intervention Research

August 18, 2022

Authors: Antonia V. Bennett, PhD, Laura C. Hanson, MD, MPH, Gary Epstein-Lubow, MD, Sheryl Zimmerman, PhD

Description: Summarizes the discussions with the Lived Experience Panel and members from the Patient and Caregiver Relevant Outcomes Core about research study outcomes that are important to people living with dementia and their care partners.

Read the full report here.

Citation: Bennett AV, Hanson LC, Epstein-Lubow G, Zimmerman SI. The 2021-2022 Lived Experience Panel Report: Priorities for Person and Caregiver Relevant Outcomes in Dementia Intervention Research. NIA IMPACT Collaboratory; 2022. doi: doi.org/10.58234/82222234
Click to view LEP Report | Patient & Caregiver Relevant Outcomes