Group music training as a multimodal cognitive intervention for older adults.

Abstract

Music training may provide an effective mean of enhancing cognitive function in older adults. However, age-related differences in learning, vision and brain plasticity may limit traditional teaching methods effectiveness for older adult learners. The Maine Understanding Sensory Integration and Cognition Project aimed to develop an economical, older-adult-friendly music intervention. The current study presents the pilot data on the effect of music training on social, emotional, and cognitive function. Results, methodology, and challenges with solutions encountered during implementation of a group music intervention for older adults are reported. Community-based participatory research methods were used to enhance recruitment of socioeconomically diverse older adults and solicit participatory feedback. Thirty-five socioeconomically diverse older adults (M age ϭ 70, SD ϭ 5.12) completed the program. Participants took part in 12 weekly 1-hr recorder group lessons and underwent comprehensive pre-and postintervention neuropsychological assessments. Teaching manuals designed specifically for older adults were developed to overcome identified learning barriers in music learning. Results indicated improved executive function, global cognition, verbal fluency, and visual memory performance following the intervention, ps Ͻ .05. Participants universally reported the group provided valuable socialization and camaraderie. Subjective improvements in cognition, self-efficacy and emotional well-being as a result of participating in the music group were also found. Music training is a cognitively stimulating activity that has real-life applications. The Maine Understanding Sensory Integration and Cognition Project's manualized group intervention may provide an engaging and efficient method to enhance social and cognitive function in older adults.

Engaging the Arts for Wellbeing in the United States of America: A Scoping Review

“…Five studies addressed cognitive functioning, defined as the “impact of disease/condition on cognitive function (e.g., memory lapse, lack of concentration, and attention), outcomes relating to knowledge, attitudes and beliefs (e.g., learning and applying knowledge, spiritual beliefs, and health beliefs/knowledge)” ( Dodd et al, 2018 ). Results reported by Gooding et al (2014) ; MacAulay et al (2019) , and Strong and Midden (2020) demonstrated cognitive benefits of music. Cantu and Fleuriet (2018) found that painting, drawing, mixed media, and creative writing enhanced the ability to focus among older adults.…”

“…The CBPR articles concentrated on community involvement and assessment for the development of programs ( n = 2), evaluation of art-based programs ( n = 3), and to understand the health and wellbeing of a population ( n = 4). Of note, MacAulay et al (2019) utilized CBPR to develop and evaluate a music training program for older adults, finding statistically significant ( p < 0.05) improvement in executive function, global cognition, verbal fluency, visual memory performance, self-efficacy, and emotional wellbeing.…”

Positive impact of social relationships fostered by physical and/or cognitive group activity on older people’s quality of life: PRISMA systematic review

“…Four of the 20 studies examined the effects of various activities on cognitive quality of life. Three of them assessed the effects of an intervention program ( Emery and Gatz, 1990 ; Kamegaya et al, 2014 ; MacAulay et al, 2019 ), while the fourth (observational) study explored the effect of participating in leisure activities on cognitive functions ( Pentikäinen et al, 2021 ).…”

The Role of Working Memory and Attention in Older Workers’ Learning

“…Another effective means of enhancing working memory in the elderly is the Maine Understanding Sensory Integration & Cognition (MUSIC) Project that was developed by MacAulay, Edelman, Boeve, Sprangers, and Halpin, (2019) [43] [43]. The MUSIC Project provided 12 one-hour weekly music lessons in an economical group format using an inexpensive, portable recorder.…”

“…The MUSIC Project provided 12 one-hour weekly music lessons in an economical group format using an inexpensive, portable recorder. Each group session was approximately 45 minutes and each group chapter included vignettes to describe the learning objectives and musical literacy skills, finger placement and notation charts, and psychoeducational vignettes with motivational stories to normalize the challenge of learning to play a musical instrument, and practice in developing motor memory, providing information on cognitive aging, arthritis, and hand stretch exercises to help with arthritis pain (MacAulay et al, 2019) [43].…”