Embarking on a research study with the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center to look at the effects of music on memory and quality of life measures has been a major focus of the Compass Memory Support Program Directors for the past months.
Beginning with planning meetings to determine the best course for the study, residents’ abilities and interests and the possibilities for the study design at each community and continuing with site visits, conference calls about specific research plans and trainings on implementing outcome measures, it has been an involved and enlightening time.
Interestingly, research studies take time to develop, to implement, to understand and study and to measure in outcomes. The Compass Program Directors and residents have learned this together in the past few months. The Directors and residents look forward to sharing more information about the implementation and outcomes of the study. Some questions that are being considered include: Can music enhance memory for specific facts, such as daily schedules? Can memory enhance and elevate mood and focus, while decreasing challenging feelings and behaviors for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease? We’ll keep you posted.
