Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Support in Sound: Music Therapy for People Living With Dementia and Companions in Rural Communities

This study, called 'Support in Sound', explores how group music therapy might help people living with dementia and their companions in rural communities. The main goal is to see if it's practical to deliver these sessions in countryside settings and if they can improve participants' well-being, mood, and social connections. Participants will attend 10 weeks of music therapy. Researchers will ask about their experiences and whether they feel any changes in their quality of life, loneliness, or depression before, during, and after the sessions. The study also wants to understand the role of peer support within these groups. Ultimately, it aims to find new ways to support people with dementia and their carers in areas where access to help might be limited.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Anglia Ruskin University

Enrolment target

Start

03 Aug 2026

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2026

Dementia

What is this study about?

This study, called 'Support in Sound', is looking into whether group music therapy can be helpful for people living with dementia and their companions in rural areas. We know that living in the countryside can sometimes mean fewer options for support groups and activities compared to towns and cities. So, this project wants to understand if bringing people together for music therapy in these communities is something that can actually be done and if it makes a positive difference.

Previous research has shown that music therapy might help people with dementia feel less anxious and depressed, improve their social interactions, and generally lift their spirits. However, most of these studies haven't focused on rural areas or looked closely at how practical it is to offer these sessions in such settings. This study aims to fill that gap by exploring the practical side – like how accessible it is – and observing any changes in well-being, loneliness, and mood for those taking part.

It's important to understand not just 'if' it works, but also 'how' people experience it. The study will ask participants about what they liked and didn't like about the music therapy. It also wants to learn about the friendships and support that might grow between participants in the group. By gathering all this information, the researchers hope to find better ways to support people with dementia and their companions, making sure they can access helpful activities no matter where they live.

Key takeaways

This study explores if group music therapy benefits people with dementia and their companions in rural areas.
It aims to understand if the programme is practical to deliver and if it improves well-being and social connections.
Participants will attend 10 weekly music therapy sessions and complete surveys and potentially interviews.
No musical experience is needed to take part.
You and your companion will contribute to research that could help future support for people with dementia.
Participation involves sharing experiences and will last for 14 weeks in total.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, one person in a pair must have a diagnosis of dementia, and they must come to the sessions with a companion. Both you and your companion should be 18 years or older.

You should be able to attend most of the 10-week music therapy programme. It's okay if you miss a session occasionally due to illness or other unavoidable reasons. You and your companion also need to be willing to share information about your health and well-being, and participate in some interviews.

It's also important that both of you can speak and understand English well enough to take part in the sessions and surveys. The study is specifically looking for pairs of people where one has dementia and the other is their companion, not individuals on their own, or two people who both don't have a dementia diagnosis.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

One of us has a dementia diagnosis.
I (the companion) am aged 18 or over.
We can both speak and understand English.
We are generally available to attend 10 weekly group sessions.
We are happy to share our experiences through surveys and interviews.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you and your companion will join 10 weeks of group music therapy sessions in your local community. Each session will involve guided music activities. Before and after each music therapy session, you'll be asked to fill out a short, easy survey to share your 'in-the-moment' feelings about the session.

In addition to these weekly surveys, you'll be asked to complete longer surveys three times in total: once before the music therapy starts, again during the fifth week of the programme, and finally after all 10 sessions have finished. These surveys will ask about things like your quality of life, how lonely you feel, your mood, and general well-being.

After the 10 weeks of music therapy, you'll also be asked to complete one more survey about your overall experiences and preferences regarding the music therapy programme. You and your companion may also be invited to take part in individual interviews to share more about your experiences and discuss the support you felt within the group. The entire research project, including music therapy sessions and all assessments, will last for 14 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer several benefits, such as enjoying group music therapy sessions, potentially improving your well-being, mood, and social connections, and meeting other people in a similar situation. You'll also be contributing to important research that could help similar programmes be offered to more people in the future. As for risks, there are no known physical risks associated with music therapy. However, some people might find sharing personal feelings in surveys or interviews a little tiring or emotionally challenging. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Tarporley Community Centre
Verified postcode
Chester, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is music therapy?

Music therapy involves engaging with music to help improve physical, emotional, and social well-being, guided by a trained therapist. It often includes listening to music, singing, or playing simple instruments.

Do I need to be musical to join?

No, you don't need any musical experience or talent to take part in music therapy. It's all about experiencing and engaging with music in a way that feels good to you.

How long will each music therapy session last?

The study description doesn't specify the exact length of each session, but they will be part of a 10-week programme. You can ask for more details from the research team.

What happens if I miss a session?

The study understands that unavoidable absences, like illness, might happen. You should still be able to continue with the programme, but it's best to let the research team know if you'll miss a session.

Who will see the information I provide?

The research team will collect and analyse the information. Your personal details will be kept private, and your answers will be used to understand the overall findings of the study, not to identify you individually.

How to find out more

Kiera Kenny, PhD

kk79@aru.ac.uk +447979154869 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.