A recent study showed that music training involving active practice increases grey matter in the brain’s cerebellum and improves auditory working memory in healthy older adults.
Playing Music
A team of scientists from universities in Switzerland and Germany collaborated to perform a clinical study examining the effects of music training on brain structure and working memory. They published their findings in the journal “Neuroimage: Reports.”
How was the study performed?
The published study was a multi-site randomized clinical trial in which the experimental group received piano instruction, and the active control group received lessons on music detailing the perception of musical instruments, different styles of music, and associated emotions. They didn’t practice music.
The scientists studied 132 healthy older adults by developing inclusion criteria. A few inclusion criteria were good physical and mental health, retirement, and less than six months of previous music training over their lifespan.
In the experimental group, participants received 1 hour of weekly music training for 12 months. They were also required to practice music at home five days a week and record the duration of their homework. In the active control group, participants received music lessons and were required to do homework.
How did the researchers collect and analyze data?
Scientists collected data at 4 points during this study, at the start, after six months, and after 12 and 18 months. The researchers used various psychological tests, neuroimaging methods, and blood samples to acquire this data.
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What did the study results show?
The study showed that the grey matter in four brain regions involved in higher cognitive functioning increased after the music interventions. Moreover, the researchers found an increase in grey matter in the cerebellum, a brain region involved in working memory. So, the researchers concluded that practicing music results in an increase in grey matter in specific regions of the brain and improved auditory working memory in older healthy adults who have not learned or practiced music for more than six months in their lives previously. They also noted that these changes were positively related to the training intensity and amount of sleep.
Furthermore, scientists noted that the general brain atrophy pattern due to increased age remains the same despite these music interventions. The researchers believe that they can’t conclude that music interventions result in a general increase in grey matter in all brain regions as the increase in grey matter mass was observed in specific regions only.
Scientists also believe these results are consistent with the previous literature indicating a positive relationship between lifelong music training and practice and a slower decline in cognitive function and maintenance of brain plasticity with age. Considering this study’s results, scientists hope for a policy framework incorporating music interventions for older adults to prevent the decline in cognitive functions and maintain brain plasticity. They also think that preventive work against cognitive decline due to aging and dementia should start early in life for people who have a higher risk of dementia in their later years.
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What does this study signify?
Dementia-related cognitive decline is a major concern for people who are at increased risk of developing such conditions. Dementia such as Alzheimer’s reduces the cognitive function of older individuals significantly and makes daily functioning difficult. Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related conditions pose a significant burden on the population and the healthcare system in the US. It is an area of rigorous research exploring potential treatments.
This study builds on the previous knowledge about the positive effects of music practice on cognitive functions. Considering this study examined a group with little former music training, the positive results can point to further research to explore this link. Moreover, it highlights the need to study these effects of music interventions in older individuals with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
Integrating this study’s results in policy frameworks to maintain a cognitive reserve can also be a positive development for improving general well-being and independence in older individuals.
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Final Thoughts
The implications of this study are clear and actionable. For older adults, engaging in music training, whether through community programs or therapeutic sessions, can be a key strategy in maintaining and enhancing cognitive functions, particularly working memory. This approach not only enriches their daily lives but also offers a proactive measure against cognitive decline.
References
Abud, T., Kounidas, G., Martin, K. R., Werth, M., Cooper, K., & Myint, P. K. (2023). Music interventions in 132 healthy older adults enhance cerebellar grey matter and auditory working memory, despite general brain atrophy. NeuroImage: Reports, 3(2), 100166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ynirp.2023.100166
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