Neural dynamics of social connection during shared music activities

Jodie Bloska

Full title: Exploring the neural dynamics of social connection during shared music activities for people with dementia and their informal carers 

In her PhD project, Jodie Bloska will explore how the HOMESIDE music intervention can support relationship quality and social connection for people living with dementia and their informal carers. Within the HOMESIDE study, participants are trained and supported by qualified music therapists to use shared music activities at home together. Using a mixed-methods multiple case studies approach, Jodie’s research will look deeply into how people living with dementia and their carers experience feelings of social connection when engaged in these shared music activities. The study will use methods from the field of social neuroscience to investigate what is happening in participants’ brains during moments of shared verbal and non-verbal interaction within the activities, and to explore how brain activity relates to the social context of the HOMESIDE music intervention. 

You can find out more about Jodie’s work here.