Binaural Music Therapy to help people with dementia (MBMT)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Developing Meditative Binaural Music Therapy to improve well being and reduce agitation.
IRAS ID
212621
Contact name
Daniel Blackburn
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 12 days
Research summary
The central question of this research project is whether and how meditative binaural sounds can be used to reduce agitation and sleep problems in elderly patients with dementia. Meditative binaural sounds (specifically composed for this project) have a natural or musical origin, have a spatial quality to it, in particular when listened to over headphones, and employ binaural beats in the delta/theta frequency range, associated with relaxation.
The central question will be addressed in two stages, each addressing a particular sub-question.
• What characteristics of Meditative Binaural Music (MBM) facilitate relaxation, listening enjoyment, and sleep?
• Under what conditions do elderly people, in particular those who suffer from dementia, like to listen to music & would they be interested and able to listen to MBM and experience these sounds as relaxing and pleasant?
• What is the tolerability and potential benefit of Meditative Binaural Music Therapy (MBMT) in people with dementia? What measures related to sleep, agitation, & quality of life can be used to assess these benefits?
These sub-questions are necessary to define a therapy that uses appropriate sonic material and takes into account preferences and listening habits of participants.
The outcome measures are complex and will require evaluation during the feasibility study to explore how MBMT might improve well being and reduce distress.
Primary Aims
(1) Create be-spoke MBMT and select tracks that healthy volunteers and people with dementia find pleasant and relaxing.
(2) Define under what conditions elderly people, in particular those who suffer from dementia, like to listen to music & would be interested and able to listen to Meditative Binaural Music Therapy (MBMT)
(3) Explore whether the MBMT tracks are tolerable and of potential benefit for people with dementia. Define outcome measures to be used to measure sleep, anxiety, quality of life.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/YH/0281
Date of REC Opinion
26 Aug 2016
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion