Music for the Ageing Brain: Cognitive, Emotional, Social, and Neural Benefits of Musical Leisure Activities in Stroke and Dementia

T. Särkämö

Journal

Dementia (London)

Year

2018

Volume

17

Issue

6

First Page

670

Last Page

685

Abstract

Music engages an extensive network of auditory, cognitive, motor, and emotional processing regions in the brain. Coupled with the fact that the emotional and cognitive impact of music is often well preserved in ageing and dementia, music is a powerful tool in the care and rehabilitation of many ageing-related neurological diseases. In addition to formal music therapy, there has been a growing interest in self- or caregiver-implemented musical leisure activities or hobbies as a widely applicable means to support psychological wellbeing in ageing and in neurological rehabilitation. This article reviews the currently existing evidence on the cognitive, emotional, and neural benefits of musical leisure activities in normal ageing as well as in the rehabilitation and care of two of the most common and ageing-related neurological diseases: stroke and dementia.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Alzheimer's and Related Dementias; Cognitive Abilities; Elderly; Emotional Functioning; Music Therapy; Neurodegenerative Disorders; Singing a Song; Stroke

Indexed Terms

Aging; Cognition; Dementia; Emotions; Leisure Activities; Quality of Life; Stroke; ageing; dementia; rehabilitation; singing; stroke

Study Type

Editorial, Opinions, Position Papers

Disciplines

Music Therapy

PubMed ID

28895426

Document Type

Article

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