A 9-Month Multidomain Program Including Music to Prevent Cognitive Decline in Older Adults A Study on Brain Health, Frailty, and Social Engagement in Aging

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the long-term effects of a multidomain program that includes physical activity, choir singing, learning, and horticulture on preventing cognitive decline in older adults who show signs of frailty. The study aims to see if engaging in these varied activities, especially music, can slow down cognitive and perceptual decline, encourage positive brain changes during aging, and reduce loneliness by promoting social interaction. Participants will be community-dwelling elderly individuals aged 65 and older. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups one that takes part in the multidomain intervention including choir and other activities, an active control group that engages in several activities excluding music, and a passive control group that does little or sporadic activity. The program lasts for nine months, during which participants regularly attend their assigned activities. Researchers will collect saliva samples and perform various assessments before and after the program, as well as six months later. Throughout the study, participants will be tested three times to measure brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF levels, cognitive abilities, hearing function, frailty status, and psychosocial well-being. They will also keep weekly diaries to track the time spent on activities. The study includes detailed evaluations such as neuropsychological tests, audiometric exams, and brain response measurements to understand how these interventions impact brain health and overall function over time. The total study duration for each participant covers the nine-month intervention plus a six-month follow-up.

A Multi-domain Intervention for Healthy Aging