AUTHOR=Tan Jasmine , Tsakok F. H. Maurine , Ow Elisabeth K. , Lanskey Bernard , Lim Kian Siong Darius , Goh Lee Gan , Tan Chay-Hoon , Cheah Irwin Kee-Mun , Larbi Anis , Foo Roger , Loh Marie , Wong Caroline Kai Yun , Suckling John , Li Jialiang , Mahendran Rathi , Kua Ee-Heok , Feng Lei
TITLE=Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial of Choral Singing Intervention to Prevent Cognitive Decline in At-Risk Older Adults Living in the Community
JOURNAL=Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience
VOLUME=10
YEAR=2018
URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2018.00195
DOI=10.3389/fnagi.2018.00195
ISSN=1663-4365
ABSTRACT=Introduction: This study is a parallel-arm randomized controlled trial evaluating choral singing’s efficacy and underlying mechanisms in preventing cognitive decline in at-risk older participants.
Methods: Three-hundred and sixty community-dwelling, non-demented older participants are recruited for a 2-year intervention. Inclusion criteria are self-reported cognitive complaints, early cognitive impairment based on neuropsychological test scores or multiple risk factors of dementia. Participants are randomized to either weekly choral singing sessions or general health education. The primary outcome is cognitive performance, measured by a composite cognitive test score (CCTS). Secondary outcomes include depression, anxiety and neuropsychiatric symptoms; perceived stress; sleep quality and severity of dementia symptoms. Underlying mechanisms are examined using blood- and urine-based biomarkers and neuroimaging.
Results: Screening began in July 2016. The first group of participants (n = 93) have been recruited. Intervention and control treatments are ongoing and will end in December 2019.
Discussion: An evidence-based singing intervention for dementia prevention holds potential for healthcare savings and societal welfare.
Trial Registration: NCT02919748, IRB Approval Number: NUS 2508.