The goal of our study is to refine our in-development behavioral intervention that is aimed at improving cognition in people 60 or older with mild to moderate memory loss.
Who is eligible?
You are eligible to participate if:
You are 60 years old or older
You have been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment or you think your memory has noticeably declined over the past year or so
You are fluent in English
You own a computer
You have an Internet connection at home
You are willing to travel to San Francisco for in-person assessments
Participants are not eligible if:
You already practice singing regularly
You have a severe visual, hearing, or vocal impairment that would limit your ability to see/hear the instructor's directions on your computer or to verbally participate in group sessions
You are participating in another experimental research study
What will happen if I take part in this study?
Phone/Zoom Screener: 15-30 Minutes
We will describe the study to you and ask you a series of questions to determine if this study is right for you. This will take about 15 minutes over the phone.
You will take a brief cognitive screening test to determine if you are eligible for this study. This will take about 20 minutes, and must be done over Zoom.
If you are eligible for the study, the following things will happen:
2-Week Course
You will join an online class that sings together online.
You will participate in this class from the comfort of your home for 60 minutes, 2 days per week for 2 weeks.
Survey: 30 Minutes
You will provide feedback on the course through an online questionnaire.
Will I be compensated?
You will be compensated $75 for your time and participation.
Is my participation confidential?
Yes. All research staff will be trained to maintain data in a secure manner and to not discuss study participants outside the research team. Research data will be stored in locked file cabinets or on password-protected computers or secure servers behind the VA and/or UCSF firewall. Study forms will be labeled using unique personal identification numbers (PIDNs) rather than personally identifying information whenever possible, and the code linking names with PIDNs will be stored separately and securely. If it is necessary to carry personally identifying information off-site (e.g., name and address for off-site assessment), the minimum amount of information necessary will be carried in a locked device (e.g., briefcase) and the information will be returned to SFVA as soon as possible and filed securely. We may communicate with prospective and enrolled participants via email using a UCSF or VA email account. We will only use email or phone call to contact individuals with their permission. We will also offer participants the option of communicating with study staff via text message.
Everyone must consent to video-recording of the live classes for quality control and training purposes. You will have the option to allow for (1) private viewing only – viewing limited to the research team, auditors, and monitoring committee, or (2) private and public viewing – viewing available to the public as videos will be included in the training manual, shown at research or educational meetings, and/or posted on the study website.
How many people will take part in this study?
A total of 30 people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or subjective memory complaints will take part in this study. All participants will be located in the San Francisco Bay Area.
What are my rights if I take part in this study?
Taking part in this study is completely your choice.
You may choose either to take part in the study or not take part in the study. If you decide to take part in the study, you may leave the study at any time, for any reason.
