How does active music-making affect your brain? How can it act as an effective therapy for older adults, and even those with different types of neurodegenerative diseases?
In this meta-analysis by Rogers et al., the effects of musical instrument training on executive functions (EF) and cognitive functions in healthy older adults were reviewed. Aging naturally causes cognitive decline, so the scientists wanted to study the positive effects that music could have on healthy older adults. They claimed that “music-based approaches to cognitive intervention…may hold potential as interventions to enhance EF” (Rogers et al.).
They used various examples of music helping cognitive function in different diseases. For example, in stroke rehabilitation, music therapy was shown to improve motor skills and EF. In Parkinson’s disease, rhythmic auditory stimulation improved motor systems and overall quality of life for patients. There is also preliminary evidence “in Huntington’s disease that rhythmic stimulation (drumming) may improve EF” (Rogers et al.). Playing an instrument requires a lot of skill and a combination of fine motor and auditory skills. This means that learning to read and play music is seen as a great task that could be used to improve EF. The scientists analyzed thirteen studies and a total of 502 participants. Various types of studies were analyzed, including piano training vs. music listening, music intervention vs. no treatment, and comparisons of music training with other leisure activities. The scientists found that executive function was improved in any group with music intervention; attention switching and processing speed also improved.
When these specific areas improve, it translates to major benefits in an older adult’s daily life. Better executive function means they can plan, focus, and juggle multiple tasks more easily. Improved attention switching allows them to adapt to changes and shift focus without getting confused, while faster processing speed means their brain can understand and react to information around them much quicker—like keeping up with a fast conversation or reacting in traffic.
In another meta-analysis by Kim et al., scientists studied the effects of instrument playing as a cognitive intervention task for aging adults. This analysis included those with cognitive decline or neurodegenerative diseases. Overall, the scientists aimed to see what effects instrument playing could have on cognitive intervention due to its accessibility and “low demand on mental resources” (Kim et al.). Ten studies were selected, with a total of 635 participants. Some studies examined the effects of instrument playing on healthy older adults, while the other five targeted those with mild cognitive decline and dementia.
There were various types of instrument playing in the studies, which involved: “instrumental improvisation, piano instruction, percussion while memorizing rhythms or reading music scores, group instrument playing in a specified rhythm or at specified timing, and instrument playing while walking” (Kim et al.). These tasks were categorized in two ways: immediate engagement vs. sustained engagement. Immediate engagement involves the first spark of interest and short-term cognitive effort required to simply try or begin playing a musical instrument, whereas sustained engagement refers to the ongoing, long-term practice and commitment needed to stimulate specific cognitive functions.
The scientists found that instrument playing improved cognitive and motor components. Instrument playing “has great potential for active engagement with older adults” (Kim et al.). Interestingly, the scientists found that the “cognitive involvement in instrument playing differed depending on the level of cognitive aging of the participants” (Kim et al.). For healthy older adults, immediate and sustained engagement was very stimulating, but for those with cognitive decline, the cognitive involvement seemed to be less.
Those who learned a new instrument were found to have enhanced processing speed, memory, and executive function. Instruments that combined cognitive and motor aspects only further improved cognitive abilities and may be an effective intervention for cognitive flexibility and executive control. All of these were a portion of the studies focused on sustained engagement. Meanwhile, immediate engagement was “found to affect general cognition, verbal fluency, attentional control, and visuospatial perception” (Kim et al.).
Ultimately, both studies highlight the incredible power of music on the aging mind. Whether it is through the quick spark of immediate engagement or long-term practice of sustained engagement, picking up an instrument does something passive listening simply cannot do. Clearly, it is never too late to start making music–whether you are working with a healthy mind or fighting back against cognitive decline!
