"Music interventions might be a promising means to delay and decelerate the neurodegeneration in individuals with or 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 research study (HS26-0434) examining how group drum circle activities may support cognitive, psychological, and social well-being among older adults. The drum circle is a collaborative group activity, and no prior musical experience is required. Your participation will help researchers better understand how group music-making may contribute to healthy aging.

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 or fatigue during or after the group activities. Participants will be encouraged to take breaks or rest as needed throughout the sessions. The research team will prioritize participants’ comfort and well-being throughout their involvement in the study.

Will my information be kept private?

Your personal information will be kept confidential and stored securely. Your information will be identified by a study number, with access limited to authorized research team members. Any presentations or publications resulting from this study will present findings in aggregate and will not identify you personally. The research team will take appropriate measures to protect the privacy and confidentiality of your information throughout the study.

Questions and Compensation?

Will my information be kept private?

If you have questions about the study or your participation, the research team is available to provide additional information and assistance. If you have questions or concerns about your rights as a research participant, you may contact the Northern Illinois University Institutional Review Board (IRB). Participants who complete the program will receive a gift card as a thank-you for their time and participation.

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 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!