Move to the Beat – Rock Drumming as a movement and cognitive intervention for Older Adults with Cognitive Impairments

In the UK, around 1 million people are currently living with dementia, a number expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040 (Alzheimer’s Society, 2024). People living with dementia (PLwD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) tend to be older, with the likelihood of cognitive decline doubling every five years after age 65.

Such decline often contributes to social isolation for both the individual and their carers, which can lead to depression, reduced physical activity, poorer wellbeing, and lower quality of life.

The World Health Organization (Fancourt & Fin, 2019) has highlighted that participation in arts‑based interventions (ABIs) can improve wellbeing and social relationships for PLwD and their carers.

Community‑based ABIs, including music programmes, are increasingly being offered to this population. Music involvement can be active (music‑making) or passive (listening), and is also used within reminiscence therapy to stimulate memories and encourage conversation.

Evidence suggests that ABIs can enhance communication, confidence, self‑esteem, wellbeing, and cognitive functioning, as well as support the maintenance and development of skills (Brancatisano et al., 2020).

Drumming, particularly in group formats, has been used effectively to support psychosocial health and wellbeing in older adults (Ascenso et al., 2018; Yap et al., 2017).

Rock drumming, which requires coordinated use of all four limbs, places both physical and cognitive demands on participants. As a dual‑task activity, it may offer additional benefits beyond those provided by music or physical activity alone.

Objectives of the research:

The purpose of this research is to:
Provide a review of the existing research to demonstrate the benefits of drumming for PLwD

Explore the feasibility and acceptability of rock drumming for PLwD and their carers

Methods to be used:

This project will employ mainly qualitative methods.  Interviews and observational data will be used to gather information from key stakeholders involved in community music making and expertise in dementia care.

Skills required of applicant:

A strong undergraduate degree in Psychology or undergraduate degree with a psychology component (e.g. health studies, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, sport and exercise science)

Good interpersonal skills

Experience of qualitative methods

An interest in music

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

This opportunity is open to all applicants.

The tuition fee for international and EU (excluding ROI) candidates is £19,040 for 2026/27.

Studentship funding is available to UK and ROI applicants, as follows:

• MRes studentships will be available to top ranked candidates to cover tuition fees and a Research Training Support Grant of £900.
• All applicants to the project will be considered automatically for an MRes studentship.
• Applicants who do not receive a studentship but meet admission requirements may be offered admission on a self-funded basis.
• Applicants who already hold an MRes or a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of an MRes or doctoral degree are NOT eligible to apply for funding.
• Applicants who hold or who are registered on a taught Master’s degree are eligible to apply.

Recommended reading

• Alzheimer’s Society. (2024). How many people have dementia in the UK? https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/how-many-people-have-dementia-uk
• Ascenso, S., Perkins, R., Atkins, L., Fancourt, D., & Williamon, A. (2018). Promoting well-being through group drumming with mental health service users and their carers. International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being, 13(1), 1484219.
• Brancatisano, O., Baird, A., & Thompson, W. F. (2020). Why is music therapeutic for neurological disorders? The Therapeutic Music Capacities Model. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 112, 600-615.
• Fancourt, D., & Finn, S. (2019). What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review (WHO Health Evidence Network Synthesis Report 67). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/9789289054553
• Yap, A. F., Kwan, Y. H., Tan, C. S., Ibrahim, S., & Ang, S. B. (2017). Rhythm-centred music making in community living elderly: a randomized pilot study. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 17(1), 311.