A recent study conducted by researchers at Simon Fraser University and Health Research BC suggests that listening to music can have significant benefits for the cognitive health of older adults, even if they are unfamiliar with or do not particularly enjoy the music.
Led by neuroscientist Sarah Faber, the study, published in Network Neuroscience, found that listening to music activates brain regions associated with reward in older adults, regardless of their familiarity with the music.
Faber explains that music engages multiple brain networks, including those linked to memory and emotion. For older adults, music can serve as a powerful tool to evoke memories and maintain connections to their past and loved ones, which may be particularly beneficial for those with neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's Disease.
The study involved two groups of participants: younger adults with an average age of 19 and older adults with an average age of 67. Both groups listened to various music samples, including familiar songs, popular music chosen by researchers, and unfamiliar compositions created for the study.
The findings revealed that while younger adults' reward networks were activated primarily by music they liked or were familiar with, older adults' reward networks responded to music even when it was new or disliked by them.
According to Faber, music has the ability to stimulate the body and regulate emotions, even in older adults who may not have a strong affinity for the music they hear. Additionally, music can serve as a source of motivation, relaxation, and social connection for both older and younger adults.
Faber's future research aims to investigate whether similar patterns of brain activity occur in older adults with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, further exploring the therapeutic potential of music in these populations.
Overall, this study underscores the profound impact of music on cognitive health and emotional well-being, highlighting its potential as a valuable intervention for older adults, especially those facing cognitive decline.
More: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-05-music-affects-cognitive-health-older.html
