New NeuroArts Blueprint Report Shows Strong ROI for Music Engagement in Alzheimer’s Care

A groundbreaking new economic analysis from the NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative—backed by AARP and conducted by Deloitte—has revealed what many in our field have long understood: music engagement is not just meaningful, it’s cost-effective.


The study, part of the growing movement to integrate the arts into healthcare through the science of neuroarts, found that incorporating music engagement into the care of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease yields a return on investment (ROI) of up to $2.40 for every dollar spent annually. For individuals with Alzheimer’s, the ROI is estimated at $1.70 per dollar, and for caregivers, $0.70 per dollar.


These findings are more than just numbers. They reinforce the real-world impact that music-based interventions—like those championed by the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function—can have on quality of life, emotional well-being, memory recall, and caregiver resilience.


As an organization proudly listed among the NeuroArts Blueprint resource partners, IMNF has long been committed to advancing the science and practice of music and health. This new report gives validation to what our clinicians and partners have seen firsthand in care settings across the country.


We encourage care providers, policymakers, and researchers to take note of this momentum and invest in scalable, person-centered music programs. Now is the time to bring music engagement further into the fabric of healthcare and long-term support.


Read the full report: Link

Watch the video overview: Link



Together, we can continue to transform care through the power of music.

August 11, 2025
IMNF Executive Director Dr. Concetta Tomaino will present “Music and the Brain” at the Project Lifesaver 2025 Annual Conference, sharing how music impacts cognitive, physical, and emotional function for those living with neurological challenges.
July 31, 2025
IMNF’s Director of Programming, Justin Russo, joins Shaping the Future of Aging to discuss how personalized music can support cognitive and emotional well-being in dementia care and other neurologic conditions.
July 29, 2025
Maejor will be honored at the 2025 Music Has Power® Awards for his visionary work at the intersection of music, healing, and innovation. Join us in celebrating his global impact and commitment to advancing the therapeutic potential of sound.
July 28, 2025
Celebrating three decades of music-driven healing, research, and education, the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function marks 30 years of transforming lives through therapeutic music.
July 23, 2025
Receive 10% off an annual subscription to Spiritune—a music-based app designed to support emotional regulation, focus, and well-being. Use code imnf10 at checkout.
July 18, 2025
Join the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function in New York City for a powerful gathering of leaders in music therapy, neuroscience, and aging care. The Music Has Power® Symposium & Awards brings together experts, innovators, and artists to explore the healing power of music and honor those advancing its impact.
July 16, 2025
Discover how music can regulate the nervous system and support healing in a new Westchester Magazine feature on IMNF Executive Director Dr. Concetta Tomaino. Learn how IMNF continues to lead in clinical music therapy.
July 8, 2025
Join IMNF founder Dr. Concetta Tomaino as she explores the powerful intersection of music therapy and neuroscience at CUNY’s ASRC. Discover how music is transforming care for people with neurological conditions.
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Mount Vernon, NY – June 2025 – The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF) is proud to announce the launch of its Intergenerational Ukulele Club, a new initiative designed to bring people of all ages together through the power of music.
July 3, 2025
The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF) has launched a new pilot study in collaboration with the Songs of Love Foundation to explore how custom-written, personalized songs may benefit older adults living with dementia and other cognitive impairments. Building on the principles of the Music & Memory program, this study investigates whether individualized compositions—created using personal details such as the individual’s name, favorite activities, and family references—can help support memory recall, reduce anxiety, and increase emotional engagement. This initiative expands the scope of person-centered music interventions by introducing novel music tailored to the individual, rather than relying solely on familiar, pre-recorded songs. The study will collect qualitative and observational data from caregivers and care staff across a small cohort of participants to assess the therapeutic impact. By evaluating these outcomes, IMNF aims to contribute to a growing body of evidence supporting music-based interventions in dementia care and further refine strategies for effective, accessible applications in both home and institutional settings. If you or a loved one is interested in receiving a free personalized song, download this form and email to imnf@wartburg.org.