Neurophysiological Benefits of Live Music for Early Alzheimer's Patients and Their Caregivers

This study aims to investigate the neurophysiological effects of live music on individuals with early Alzheimer's Disease (AD), dementia, and/or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and their caregivers. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and brain activity will be measured as participant-caregiver dyads listen to preferred and improvised music performed by professional musicians. Investigators will leverage various measurement techniques including, but not limited to, electroencephalography (EEG), behavioral, surveys, and physiological monitoring to study the impact of live music on anxiety in AD and inter-dyad synchrony.

Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical Dementia Rating 0.5 - 2 * Be a person with or caregiver to a person with a diagnosis of early Alzheimer's Disease, mild dementia, and/or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) * Able to provide informed consent * Willing to wear an EEG headset and heart rate monitoring devices * Willing to possibly have small patches of body / facial hair shaved to accommodate administration of heart rate monitoring devices * Willing to answer survey questions about topics related to the study * Willing to be audio / video recorded Exclusion Criteria: * Clinical Dementia Rating \ 2 * Unable to provide informed consent * Endorsing suicidal ideation (SI), self-injurious behavior, or homicidal ideation (HI) above the threshold defined in the "Risk Reduction and Safety Plan" * Participating in another clinical trial studying AD and/or Dementia * Starting a new prescription medication in the last 6 months * Prescribed Benzodiazepines on an as needed basis