Turning music into care for Alzheimer's patients
Inspired by her upbringing in South Korea, where caring for older adults is inherent to the culture, Kathy Siepker is channeling a personal connection into her research at The University of Texas at Arlington.
An associate professor in the School of Social Work, Dr. Siepker is helping develop a music-based app for people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Research shows that music therapy can calm agitation, ease depression and lift spirits.
"Alzheimer's is a progressive disease with no cure," Siepker said. "Some new drugs may slow progression, but they must be given very early. By the time many people see a doctor, it's too late for those medications. Doctors might prescribe drugs for anxiety or depression, but those don't address Alzheimer's directly.
"That's why nonpharmacological approaches are so important," she continued. "Music therapy can make a huge difference—not only for people living with dementia, but also for the family caregivers supporting them."
As World Alzheimer's Day approaches on Sunday, Sept. 21, Siepker's research underscores the growing urgency to find meaningful ways to improve life with one of the world's most devastating brain disorders.
More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association. In Texas, nearly half a million people are affected, with the state ranking fourth in Alzheimer's cases and second in Alzheimer's-related deaths. The Texas Department of State Health Services estimates the disease costs the state about $24 billion each year.
"Alzheimer's sparked my interest because it's not only about the patients but also about family caregivers and the community," said Siepker, who is a community educator for the Dallas and Northeast Texas chapter of the Alzheimer's Association and an advisory board member for Dementia Friendly Dallas.
"Music therapy has been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety in people without dementia. In Alzheimer's patients, it can be especially powerful," Siepker continued. "Toward the later stages of the disease, patients often sit quietly, withdrawn. But when they hear familiar music—songs from their childhood or young adulthood—they often remember all the lyrics, sing along, and sometimes even dance. It's amazing."
The goal of the app is to bring the benefits of music therapy directly into homes, helping both caregivers and their loved ones with dementia. Traditionally, music therapy takes place in nursing homes with trained therapists, but this app utilizes artificial intelligence to detect changes in a patient's mood or activity and automatically play familiar songs to support their emotional well-being.
Siepker is collaborating with Kendra Ray, a music therapist and researcher at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine. The two met in 2021 at the Alzheimer's Association Interdisciplinary Summer Research Institute in Chicago and have since partnered on the project "A Music-Based Mobile App to Combat Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in People Living with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias."
"Over time, I dedicated myself to this area, and now I also provide psychotherapy," Siepker said. "Meeting families, learning their struggles and offering help has been incredibly rewarding."
Provided by University of Texas at Arlington
