CompletedInterventional

How does community group singing affect the wellbeing of people with dementia and their carers?

Around 800,000 people in the UK live with dementia. While medical treatments are vital, shared social activities are just as important to help people live well and avoid feeling lonely. This study tests whether attending a weekly community singing group can improve quality of life, mood, and memory for people with dementia and their family carers. Participants and their carers are placed by chance into one of two groups: one starts singing sessions right away, while the other waits 10 weeks before starting. Everyone completes simple questionnaires about their wellbeing, feelings, and memory at three points during the study. Because this is an early test (a feasibility study), researchers want to find out if people enjoy taking part and whether the study design runs smoothly. If successful, the results will help scientists plan a much larger trial across the UK.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

160

Start

01 Sep 2022

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2023

Dementia

What is this study about?

Dementia affects hundreds of thousands of people across the UK. While finding new medical treatments is essential, everyday wellbeing matters just as much. Living with dementia can sometimes lead to feeling cut off or lonely, while family carers often face a great deal of stress. Finding fun, uplifting social activities can help both individuals and their loved ones live well together.

Past research suggests that music and singing can stimulate memories, lift mood, and bring people closer together. Singing in a friendly group offers a relaxed space to have fun, meet others in similar situations, and build a strong support network. However, there have not yet been any large clinical studies in the UK to measure the exact benefits of community singing for dementia.

This project, run by the University of Nottingham, is a feasibility study. This means it is an early trial designed to test whether the study plan works in practice. The researchers want to see if enough people want to join, if they can attend weekly sessions, and whether answering the study questions feels manageable. What they learn will help them design a larger, nationwide study in the future.

Key takeaways

Tests whether weekly community singing groups boost wellbeing for people with dementia and their carers.
Open to adults with mild to moderate dementia who have a carer willing to attend with them.
Takes place in community venues around Nottingham, Lincoln, and Leicester.
Involves weekly singing sessions and simple wellbeing questionnaires at three points.
Completely voluntary and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Who may be eligible?

To take part, you must be an adult aged 18 or older with a diagnosis of mild or moderate dementia. You also need a family member or friend (carer) who spends at least two hours a week with you and is happy to attend the singing groups alongside you. Both you and your carer must be able to understand English and give your own agreement (consent) to join.

This study is aimed at people who are new to singing groups, so you cannot take part if you have regularly attended a singing group (apart from church or religious services) in the past six weeks. It is also not suitable for people with severe hearing loss, current severe mental health conditions, or alcohol or drug addictions, or for anyone already taking part in another clinical trial.

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.

I have a formal diagnosis of mild or moderate dementia.
I am aged 18 or older.
I have a carer who spends at least 2 hours a week with me and is happy to attend the sessions.
Both my carer and I can speak and understand English.
I have not attended a regular singing group (outside of religious worship) in the last 6 weeks.
I can travel to singing sessions in Nottingham, Lincoln, or Leicester.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you and your carer will be placed into one of two groups by chance (randomly). One group starts weekly community singing sessions right away, while the other group waits 10 weeks before starting their singing sessions. The sessions are led by an experienced singing leader at local community venues in Nottingham, Lincoln, or Leicester.

There are no medications or medical procedures involved. During the study, you and your carer will be asked to complete questionnaires and short memory or thinking tasks at three different times. These assessments measure your mood, memory, and everyday quality of life. The whole study runs over several months, depending on when your singing sessions begin.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part gives you and your carer the chance to join friendly community singing sessions, which many people find uplifting, stimulating, and fun. It may also help strengthen your relationship and provide useful social support. There are very few risks, although you might occasionally hear songs you do not like, and completing the questionnaires three times can feel slightly tiring. Taking part is entirely voluntary, and you are free to leave the study at any time without giving a reason and without your normal medical care being affected.

Locations (4)

University of Nottingham
Approximate
Nottingham, England
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Nottingham, England
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Approximate
Lincoln, England
NIHR CRN East Midlands
City only
Leicester, England

Common questions

Do I need to be a good singer to take part?

No, you do not need any singing experience or musical skill. The sessions are relaxed, informal, and designed for enjoyment.

Where do the singing sessions take place?

The weekly groups take place in local community venues across Nottingham, Lincoln, and Leicester.

Will taking part affect my usual dementia care or medications?

No. The study is a non-drug, social activity and will not change your usual healthcare, support, or prescribed medicines.

What happens if I am put into the 10-week waiting group?

You will carry on as normal for 10 weeks and then get to attend the weekly singing sessions just like the first group. This waiting period allows researchers to compare the two groups fairly.

Does my carer have to attend every session with me?

Yes. The study is designed for both the person with dementia and their carer to take part and enjoy singing together.

How to find out more

Justine Schneider

justine.schneider@nottingham.ac.uk +44 (0)1158467307 Official trial record

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