Evaluating the feasibility of Preliminary Randomised Evaluation of Singing in Dementia (PRESIDE) in community group settings

Abstract Background Community singing interventions have been explored as potential therapeutic activities for people with dementia and their carers. This feasibility study aimed to evaluate the practicality, engagement, and preliminary outcomes of such an intervention. Methods A total of 72 participants (36 dyads) were recruited across three sites. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group, which engaged in community singing sessions, or a waiting list control group. Demographic characteristics were balanced between groups, and baseline musical engagement was low. Recruitment challenges and varying site fidelity were noted. Results The intervention demonstrated mixed feasibility, with patient-reported outcome measures being practical and successfully administered. Descriptive trends favouring the intervention group were observed on some measures relating to quality of life, well-being, and daily activities, although the study was not powered to evaluate effectiveness. Retention at T1 was 78% in both arms; at T2, retention was 66.7% in the intervention arm and 77.8% in the control arm. Notably, post-intervention, all sites transitioned to independent community singing groups or secured funding for continued activities, suggesting acceptability and ongoing participant interest. Conclusions The study highlights the possible areas warranting further investigation of community singing interventions for people with dementia and their carers, with descriptive trends observed in selected quality-of-life and well-being measures. However, challenges such as recruitment and control condition engagement must be addressed in future research. Larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods are necessary to evaluate intervention effectiveness and longer-term implementation outcomes. Trial registration Funded by NIHR Research for Patient Benefit – Social Care (NIHR202982) and has been registered with ISRCTN (10201482) and IRAS (Project ID: 313298). The University of Nottingham is the trial sponsor.