Research and References
The five published studies that inform MUSE program design, with their findings and their limits. None of them evaluated MUSE.
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The five published studies that inform MUSE program design, with their findings and their limits. None of them evaluated MUSE.
Ask a question →Published studies inform MUSE's design; none below evaluated MUSE. This catalogue describes creative and supportive services, not clinical music therapy or a treatment for dementia. Results depend on the population, delivery and duration.
van der Steen et al. (2025). Music-based therapeutic interventions for people with dementia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD003477.
30 studies; 1,720 participants. At least five sessions probably slightly improve depressive symptoms versus usual care. Cognitive or lasting benefits were not established.
Sveinsdottir et al. (2025). Clinical effectiveness of music interventions for dementia and depression in older people (MIDDEL). Lancet Healthy Longevity, 6, 100783.
1,021 residents enrolled across six countries. At six months, no significant overall depression benefit from choir singing or group music therapy; effects varied by country.
Fincham et al. (2023). Effect of breathwork on stress and mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised-controlled trials. Scientific Reports, 13, 432.
"breathwork was associated with lower levels of stress than control conditions." General-adult evidence; it does not validate MUSE's original breathing practices.
Warth et al. (2015). Music Therapy in Palliative Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate Effects on Relaxation. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 112, 788-794.
The study tested clinical music therapy, not MUSE bedside accompaniment. Findings support attention to comfort, without promising pain relief.
Johnson et al. (2020). A Community Choir Intervention to Promote Well-Being Among Diverse Older Adults: Results From the Community of Voices Trial. Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 75, 549-559.
Findings concern community-dwelling older adults without dementia. Cognitive and physical outcomes showed no significant between-group differences.
Selected evidence checked 2 October 2026. Quotes are brief verbatim excerpts; links open the cited publications.
No. Published studies inform MUSE's design; none of the five evaluated MUSE.
No. MUSE describes creative and supportive services, not clinical music therapy or a treatment for dementia.
No. Results depend on the population, delivery and duration.
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Talk with our team about which program suits the people you support.
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Live music programs for senior living communities: group sing-alongs, bedside visits, meditation music, drum circles, performances and legacy work.
A two-hour gathering for people living with dementia and their caregivers, with music, shared singing and time to pause.
Private or group sessions, virtual or in person, with gentle breathing, meditation, humming and listening.
Instrument and voice learning, recurring chances to sing and play, and an introduction to MUSE practices in listening and pacing.