"Music interventions might be a promising means to delay and decelerate the neurodegeneration in individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease."

The Promise of Music Therapy for Alzheimer's disease

Certified in Remo HealthRHYTHMS

Our Certification

Our team has earned the HealthRHYTHMS® Group Empowerment Drumming Facilitator Training credential from Remo, Inc.

With Our Trainer

Our Certification

Our team with HealthRHYTHMS® facilitator trainer Arlene de Silva, celebrating the successful completion of our facilitator training with Remo, Inc.

Consent Form: What This Means for the participants?

What is this study about?

What will I do if I participate?

You are invited to participate in an IRB-approved study (HS26-0434) exploring whether group drum circle activities can support memory, thinking, emotional well-being, physical engagement, and social connection among older adults. It is a fun group activity and no musical experience is required. Your participation will help researchers better understand how music-based activities may enhance healthy aging and improve quality of life for older adults.

What will I do if I participate?

If you choose to participate, you will attend one drum circle session each week for six weeks and complete brief surveys before the program, after it ends, and about one month later. If needed, your community's activity director or nursing staff may assist you with the surveys. The information collected will help us understand the short- and long-term effects of the drum circle program.

Do I have to participate?

What will I do if I participate?

Are there any risks or benefits?

No. Participation in this study is completely voluntary. You may choose not to participate or withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason. Your decision will not affect the care, housing, services, or support you receive from your senior living community. Your choice will be respected throughout the study.

Are there any risks or benefits?

Will my information be kept private?

Are there any risks or benefits?

This study involves minimal risk. Some participants may experience mild tiredness. Although we cannot guarantee any direct benefit, many people find group music activities enjoyable and value the opportunity to socialize and connect with others. Your participation may also help researchers better understand how music-based programs can support healthy aging and improve the well-being of older adults.

Will my information be kept private?

Yes. Your personal information will be kept confidential, stored securely, and identified by a study number instead of your name whenever possible. Only authorized members of the research team will have access to information that identifies you. Any reports or publications from this study will present combined results and will not identify you personally.

Questions and Compensation?

Will my information be kept private?

If you have questions about the study, the research team is happy to help. If you have concerns about your rights as a research participant, you may contact the Northern Illinois University Institutional Review Board. Participants who complete the program will receive a gift card as a thank-you for their time.

Support Requested from the Senior Living Community

Participant Recruitment

Help identify residents who may be interested in participating and who meet the study eligibility criteria. Staff may distribute study information and introduce interested residents or their families to the research team.

Communication with Residents and Families

Assist in sharing information about the study with residents and, when appropriate, their family members or legally authorized representatives. The research team will obtain informed consent before any study activities begin.

Activity Space

Provide a suitable room where the weekly drum circle sessions can be held. To promote engagement and a sense of community, chairs should be arranged in a closed circle, with enough space in the center and around each participant to ensure comfort and accessibility, including for residents using wheelchairs.

Scheduling Coordination

Work with the research team to schedule sessions at times that fit the community's daily routines and minimize disruption to resident activities.

Staff Assistance with Surveys (if needed)

If a participant requires assistance due to mobility or cognitive limitations, a member of the research team, the activity director, or a nursing staff member may assist by reading the survey questions aloud. Any assistance will be provided in a neutral manner, and staff will not influence or suggest participants' answers. Our goal is to ensure that every participant is able to share their own thoughts as accurately as possible.

Resident Attendance Support

Help remind participants of upcoming sessions and, when appropriate, assist residents in getting to and from the activity room.

Please help us remind participants of upcoming drum circle sessions.

Ready to Start?

Sample Informational Flyer

Facility Informational Flyer

Email us to request a 6-week drum circle program.
Our research staff will contact you to schedule sessions that fit your facility.
Recruit participants by posting an informational flyer.
Complete the required consent and pre-survey.
Participate in the free 6-week drum circle program.
Complete the post-survey.
Complete the one-month follow-up survey.

Facility Informational Flyer

On the informational flyer, we recommend including the following key information:

The exact date and time of each session
A statement that no musical experience is required
A brief explanation that the drum circle is not a performance activity, but is designed to support cognitive function, psychosocial well-being, and social connectedness
Information about the research process, including the informed consent form, pre-survey, post-survey, and one-month follow-up survey
Compensation provided for participating in the musical/research activities

If your facility would like assistance creating the informational flyer, we would be happy to help!

Drum Circle Moment 1

Meet the wonderful individuals who come together to share music, rhythm, connection, and joy.

One circle gently divides into two half-circles, each following its own rhythm before coming together as one shared heartbeat.

Our drum journey travels from the gentle waves of the beach, through the wild rhythms of the jungle, and across the vast echoes of the Grand Canyon.

A warm circle of reflection, where everyone shares their thoughts, feelings, and memories, bringing the experience to a meaningful close.

Drum Circle Moment 2

The circle comes alive with laughter and rhythm.

One circle, endless imagination, countless smiles.

The circle ends with reflection and connection.

Drum Circle Moment 3

Fruit shakers in hand, joy travels from heart to heart.

Every name finds its rhythm.

Adventure begins with a splash of imagination.

Steady hands beat joyful drums as lively piano duets set every heart dancing.

Drum Circle Moment 4

Sharing our favorite foods and the names that make each of us special!

Drumming our way on a wild safari adventure!

Shaking and having fun with our favorite fruits!

Drum Circle Moment 5

Shake with joy from side to side, when it stops, stay still with pride!

Reach up high with all your might.

Gentle beats and voices blend, a sweet song shared from friend to friend.

Drum Circle Moment 6

Let's take a trip to Italy, where every beat is a step along our journey.

Drum while singing, and let every beat carry the melody.

Say your name, play your beat, and let the circle welcome you.

Drum Circle Moment 7

Half the circle finds one rhythm, half another, weaving together in perfect harmony.

One calls for two beats, two calls for one, a simple pattern that keeps everyone in sync.

Apple, orange, plum, avocado—shake with the fruit that's called with care.

Drum Circle Moment 8

They sing along to "Dancing Queen."

Following Simon's playful call, fruit shakers danced in joyful hands.

The rhythm of the drums embraced the timeless beauty of Mozart's piano duet.

Drum Circle Moment 9

Together we drummed our way along Lake Michigan, following the rhythm of the wind and water.

Shakers and drums united in a lively celebration of rhythm.

With drums in hand and Jingle Bells in the air, Christmas magic bloomed in July.

Drum Circle Moment 10

From thunder to whisper.

Drum Your Favorite Fruit.

Random Beat Challenge.

Keep the fruit moving around the circle in rhythm.

Drum Circle Moment 11

Following the facilitator’s beat-by-beat guidance, everyone listens, plays, and finds the rhythm together.

Discovering a new song, “September,” as everyone follows the beat, feels the rhythm, and comes together in joy.

At the close of our final drumming session, a gentle piano duet filled the room, letting the last notes linger with connection.

"Our year-round Drum Circle Research Program is expanding across Chicagoland. We invite senior care communities to partner with us in advancing research through the power of rhythm."

SAPA