Can Music Improve Brain Function? Exploring the Science Behind Music and the Brain

Music is a universal language that reaches people of all cultures, ages and walks of life.

Some listen to music however, others enjoying playing...and there are benefits for both. But what does the impact of playing a musical instrument have on the brain and why should you care?

Neurodegenerative diseases are becoming more prevalent as the age expectancy continues to extend...therefore, strategies to prevent cognitive decline are in demand.

In older adults, the brain will decline in executive function, memory, and processing speed.

Cognitive Reserve (CR) is an important concept to prevent neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline. Cognitive activities such as writing, games (board and cards), reading, sudoku, and playing music are just some of many. In 2009, Akbaraly and colleagues found that engaging in activities no less than twice a week reduced the likelihood of developing dementia by 50%.

Musicians have more gray matter in auditory, visuospatial, and motor areas of the brain as well as asymmetry of planum temporale and corpus callosum. Research has shown a correlation between musical activity and the long-term functioning of executive function, verbal memory, and naming.

Piano and brains

Music = Increases in IQ & Structural Changes?

Children who undertook 36 weeks of keyboard lessons were observed to increase in IQ compared to drama lessons or no lessons at all (Schellenberg, 2004).

6-year-old children who undertook 15 months of keyboard lessons experienced structural changes to auditory and motor areas (Hyde, et al., 2009).

AND it's never too late...Adults who undertook 6 months of lessons improved working memory and executive functioning (Bugos, et al., 2007).

Impact of Music on Mood and Quality of Life?

Unfortunately, depression becomes more prevalent with age. Listening to music and creating music has been suggested to impact quality of life to improve mood and reduce depression symptoms.

Participation in any leisure activity has demonstrated decreased depression rates however, the piano specifically suggests emotional benefits - reduction of psychological distress.

In older adults, piano and other intellectual activities have been related to cognitive reserve as well as maintained cognitive function. So call your grandparents and tell them to get on the piano.

Further reading and sources:

Akbaraly, T. N., Portet, F., Fustinoni, S., Dartigues, J. F., Artero, S., Rouaud, O., Touchon, J., Ritchie, K., & Berr, C. (2009). Leisure activities and the risk of dementia in the elderly: results from the Three-City Study. Neurology, 73(11), 854–861. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0b013e3181b7849b

Bugos, J. A., Perlstein, W. M., McCrae, C. S., Brophy, T. S., & Bedenbaugh, P. H. (2007). Individualized piano instruction enhances executive functioning and working memory in older adults. Aging & Mental Health, 11(4), 464–471. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607860601086504

Hyde, K. L., Lerch, J., Norton, A., Forgeard, M., Winner, E., Evans, A. C., & Schlaug, G. (2009). Musical training shapes structural brain development. Journal of Neuroscience, 29(10), 3019-3025. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5118-08.2009

Schellenberg, E. G. (2004). Music Lessons Enhance IQ. Psychological Science, 15(8), 511-514. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0956-7976.2004.00711.x

Seinfeld, S., Figueroa, H., Ortiz-Gil, J., & Sanchez-Vives, M, V. (2013) Effects of music learning and piano practice on cognitive function, mood and quality of life in older adults. Frontier Psychology, 4(810). https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00810/full