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What is the recipe for good sleeping music, especially for those living with dementia (and their caregivers)? This conversation with Duke researcher Dr. Darina Petrovsky offers a behind-the-scenes look at active, current research on music as a non-pharmacologic sleep intervention, as well as characteristics of sleep-inducing music and how music can play a role in preventing dementia.
Guest
Joining me today from Durham, NC, is Dr. Darina Petrovsky, Assistant Professor at Duke University School of Nursing. Dr. Petrovsky’s research and teaching focuses on the intersection of music and dementia. Her work has been funded by the NIH and featured by the NIA. A fellow pianist, Dr. Petrovsky studied piano performance as an undergrad at University of Michigan, and then completed her masters and doctorate in nursing. She has completed two postdoctoral fellowships at New York University and University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Petrovsky’s background in music training and nursing science uniquely informs her research and goal of improving the lives of older adults living with cognitive impairment using non-pharmacologic approaches.
Notes
We discuss:
- Prevalence of sleep disturbances for older adults and those living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, and the ripple effect on cognitive function, quality of life, increased time in health care facilities, increased reliance on meds, faster disease progression, and greater susceptibility to other illnesses.
- Patient sleep disturbance effect on caregivers.
- Dr. Petrovsky’s research and clinical trials on how music can be used to improve sleep for older adults and those living with dementia.
- Sleep-inducing characteristics of music
- As part of her study, Dr. Petrovsky and her team are developing and testing a mobile app called Calming Music Personalized for Sleep Enhancement in PeRsons living with Dementia (CoMPoSER).
- The importance of individual music preferences and selections
- Relevant research on music’s role in preventing cognitive decline.
Connect/Other Resources
- Darina’s linktr.ee
- Darina’s Duke profile page
- Darina’s Publications
- Darina on Twitter/X
- Lab Twitter/X profile
- Darina on LinkedIn
- Darina’s work has been funded by the NIH and featured on the NIA Research Highlights.
- Mindy mentions this New York Times article
- Darina recommends the following additional resources:
- Her (new!) Substack
- NIA’s Science of Sleep Resources
Other episodes we mentioned or that you may enjoy:
- Ep. 104: Outsmarting Alzheimer’s – What to do now to increase your odds of successful aging and quality of life, with Kenneth Kosik, MD
- Ep. 86: The latest research on music interventions in dementia, and two ways to get personally involved; with NIA’s Dr. Coryse St. Hillaire-Clarke
- Ep. 141: Vera: Transforming dementia care with music; with Music Health’s Stephen Hunt
- View all episodes related to Science & Health
In-Episode Promo
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Coda
Darina shares how her senior recital became a memorable way to honor and bond with her grandmother, when Darina was graduating from the University of Michigan. This recital was dedicated to her grandmother and featured all Russian composers, honoring Darina’s familial heritage.
Closing Words
Thanks so much to Darina and all the other researches out there who are demonstrating scientifically the healing power of music. It’s so interesting to hear about how some of this research takes place, and exciting that clinical trials are proving music’s efficacy as non-pharmacologic, non-invasive interventions for a variety of conditions, many of which have been covered on this show.
You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Thank you so much for joining me today. Until next time, may your life be enhanced with music.
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