Music therapy could help protect cognitive function in people living with dementia

Music therapy may improve memory and cognitive function in people living with dementia and could even delay its onset, according to new research from Swinburne University of Technology.

The study used advanced brain imaging technology known as magnetoencephalography (MEG) to examine what happens in the brain before and after a targeted music therapy program. 

By strengthening communication between different regions of the brain, researchers found improvements in working memory, cognitive compensation and executive functioning.

Lead author Dr Benjamin Slade from Swinburne's Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences says while music is known to improve memory and influence emotion, scientists are only beginning to understand how it may protect the brain against cognitive decline and dementia. 

"Music is unique because it activates many different parts of the brain simultaneously. It engages memory, attention, emotion, movement and social connection, all within a single activity," Dr Slade says.

"Many people have seen moments where a person living with dementia suddenly recalls lyrics, melodies or memories connected to music. We’re trying to understand whether this can be used to improve cognitive functioning in dementia.” 

The study involved people living with dementia who completed cognitive testing and brain scans before and after an eight-week music therapy program designed to target executive functioning. 

Music therapy combines several factors associated with brain health, including cognitive stimulation, learning, attention, memory and social engagement. 

Researchers observed improved performance in an executive functioning task following the intervention, alongside changes in brain network connectivity.

"Our findings suggest music therapy could be used to activate alternative areas of the brain to maintain cognitive functioning or even delay the onset of dementia. It's early evidence, but it's a fascinating insight into the brain's capacity to adapt to the early stages of disease."

Globally, dementia affects tens of millions of people and cases are expected to rise substantially as populations age. While medications can help manage symptoms, they do not stop disease progression and can carry side effects. 

Researchers say there is growing interest in non-pharmaceutical approaches that support cognition, wellbeing and quality of life. 

The team hopes to investigate whether longer-term music-based interventions can help protect the brain, slow cognitive decline and support people living with dementia.

"As dementia becomes one of the defining health challenges of an ageing population, we're increasingly looking for interventions that are accessible, cost effective, enjoyable and can make a meaningful difference to people's lives. Music has extraordinary potential in that space."

The findings provide a foundation for future research exploring music therapy as a tool for maintaining cognition and promoting healthy ageing. 

“Understanding how music therapy influences brain function could help us develop more effective interventions that improve day-to-day cognition and quality of life."