Music Making and Neuropsychological Aging: A Review. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sutcliffe, Ryan; Du, Kangning; Ruffman, Ted
• Is Part Of: Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews. Volume 113(2020)
• Page Start: 479
• Page End: 491
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: social cognition -- neuropsychological aging -- music training -- neuroplasticity -- cognitive intervention -- emotion recognition -- aging brain; Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Behavior -- Periodicals; Ethology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Psychophysiologie -- Périodiques; Comportement humain -- Périodiques; Animaux -- Mœurs et comportement -- Périodiques; Neurologie -- Périodiques; Animal behavior; Human behavior; Neurology; Psychophysiology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 573.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.03.026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-7634

Abstract

Highlights: Music learning targets brain areas involved in older adults' social and general cognition Intervention studies with random assignment are reviewed Intensive music training in older adulthood is a promising cognitive intervention, but there are few well-controlled intervention studies Causal mechanisms for why music might facilitate neuropsychological change are discussed and future research is proposed Abstract: Aging is associated with a decline in social understanding and general cognition. Both are integral to wellbeing and rely on similar brain regions. Thus, as the population ages, there is a growing need for knowledge on the types of activities that maintain brain health in older adulthood. Active engagement in music making might be one such activity because it places a demand on brain networks tapping into multisensory integration, learning, reward, and cognition. It has been hypothesized that this demand may promote plasticity in the frontal and temporal lobes by taxing cognitive abilities and, hence, increase resistance to age-related neurodegeneration. We examine research relevant to this hypothesis and note that there is a lack of intervention studies with a well-matched control condition and random assignment. Thus, we discuss potential causal mechanisms underlying training-related neuropsychological changes, and provide suggestions for future research. It is argued that although music training might be a valuable tool for supporting healthy neuropsychological aging and mental wellbeing, well-controlled intervention studies are necessary to provide clear evidence.