Inspired by her upbringing in South Korea, where caring for older adults is inherent to the culture, Kathy Siepker is channeling a personal connection into her research at The University of Texas at Arlington.
An associate professor in the School of Social Work, Dr. Siepker is helping develop a music-based app for people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Research shows that music therapy can calm agitation, ease depression and lift spirits.
"Alzheimer's is a progressive disease with no cure," Siepker said. "Some new drugs may slow progression, but they must be given very early. By the time many people see a doctor, it's too late for those medications. Doctors might prescribe drugs for anxiety or depression, but those don't address Alzheimer's directly.
"That's why non-pharmacological approaches are so important," she continued. "Music therapy can make a huge difference—not only for people living with dementia, but also for the family caregivers supporting them."
As World Alzheimer's Day approaches on Sunday, Sept. 21, Siepker's research underscores the growing urgency to find meaningful ways to improve life with one of the world's most devastating brain disorders.
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More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association. In Texas, nearly half a million people are affected, with the state ranking fourth in Alzheimer's cases and second in Alzheimer's-related deaths. The Texas Department of State Health Services estimates the disease costs the state about $24 billion each year.
"Alzheimer's sparked my interest because it's not only about the patients but also about family caregivers and the community," said Siepker, who is a community educator for the Dallas and Northeast Texas chapter of the Alzheimer's Association and an advisory board member for Dementia Friendly Dallas.
"Music therapy has been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety in people without dementia. In Alzheimer's patients, it can be especially powerful," Siepker continued. "Toward the later stages of the disease, patients often sit quietly, withdrawn. But when they hear familiar music—songs from their childhood or young adulthood—they often remember all the lyrics, sing along, and sometimes even dance. It's amazing."
The goal of the app is to bring the benefits of music therapy directly into homes, helping both caregivers and their loved ones with dementia. Traditionally, music therapy takes place in nursing homes with trained therapists, but this app utilizes artificial intelligence to detect changes in a patient's mood or activity and automatically play familiar songs to support their emotional well-being.
Related: UTA professor explores healing power of music
Siepker is collaborating with Kendra Ray, a music therapist and researcher at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine. The two met in 2021 at the Alzheimer's Association Interdisciplinary Summer Research Institute in Chicago and have since partnered on the project "A Music-Based Mobile App to Combat Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in People Living with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias."
The pilot study was funded by the National Institute on Aging through the Penn Artificial Intelligence and Technology Collaboratory for Healthy Aging. A current study is being funded by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
"Over time, I dedicated myself to this area, and now I also provide psychotherapy," Siepker said. "Meeting families, learning their struggles and offering help has been incredibly rewarding."
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation's top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.
