Music has the power to transport us to different worlds, evoke emotions, and bring people together. An example of music’s power can be seen in the media with Tony Bennett, a famous 95-year-old songwriter and singer who lived with Alzheimer’s Disease. Despite living with the disease, Bennett continued to sing for his fans until his death on July 21, 2023. Outside of professionals, music can also have a profound impact on our brain health, especially for older adults.
As we age, our brains undergo several changes. The National Institute of Aging adds that our brains may undergo structural changes, such as decrease in volumes of certain areas, decreased connectivity, decreased blood flow, and increased inflammation. These changes may increase our risk for neurocognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. However, research has shown that music-based interventions can help mitigate these effects and improve structural brain health in older adults.
A recent study by researchers at Northeastern University revealed the impacts of personalized music-based intervention (MBI) on brain network connectivity in cognitively unimpaired older adults. The researchers observed 16 healthy adults ages 50 and older through a 8-12 weeks MBI. Participants had a pre-intervention session, where they had magnetic resonance imaging procedures and a neuropsychological test, and completed a post-intervention session with the same tasks to evaluate the effects of MBI. MBI included a board-certified music therapist who generated an energetic playlist and a relaxing playlist for each participant. Participants were instructed to listen to their playlist for one hour daily and then input reflections or self-observations in a journal.
The researchers performed statistical analyses on the participants’ brain imaging results before and after MBI. The researchers found increases in functional connectivity between auditory regions and the medial prefrontal cortex after MBI. The medial prefrontal cortex is a part of the prefrontal cortex, which is important for memory and emotions. Therefore, increased connectivity between these two regions can show insight on how MBI is able to increase brain activity and keep the brain healthy.
Music-based interventions offer a promising approach to improving brain health and overall well-being in older adults. By engaging in music-related activities, older adults can enhance their memory, cognitive function, mood, and quality of life, all while utilizing their creativity. As Bennett once said, “A good melody can change the world.”
Featured Image Source: Finwal89
