2023 Pilot Awards for Global Brain Health Leaders (GBHI)

Promoting Wellbeing Through Music and Movement in Familial AD

Can a music-based program help support individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their families?

Catherine Correa-Lopera
Fundación Universidad de Antioquia
Medellin, Colombia

Background

Researchers believe that one’s lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s is not from a single cause but rather a combination of multiple factors, including genetics and one’s environment and lifestyle. However, some individuals develop a specific type of Alzheimer’s called Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer’s Disease (ADAD), which is a result of inheriting certain genes that cause the disease. Additionally, the clinical symptoms of ADAD occur much earlier in life than other forms of Alzheimer’s, placing a greater need for caregiver support from the family. 

Individuals from low- and middle-income countries face several barriers to family support programs for Alzheimer’s, including a lack of funding, healthcare infrastructure, and other resources. Catherine Correa-Lopera and colleagues propose a pilot study to develop a music-based family support program for individuals with Alzheimer’s and their families in Columbia.

Research Plan

Catherine Correa-Lopera and the team will first recruit 15-25 participants, including individuals with early ADAD and their family members, to participate in their pilot intergenerational program. The 12-week pilot program will allow individuals to create a musical performance that will be showcased at a public event for the local community. Next, the researchers will create a video documenting their findings and the performances. This video will be disseminated through social media to raise awareness, reduce the stigma surrounding ADAD, and support the program's future growth. 

Impact

If successful, this project could develop and implement a new program to provide support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their families in Colombia, helping to expand care options for this population.