Exploring how playing music affects brain health as we age
The Noisy Life of the Musician: Implications for Healthy Brain Aging
This study is looking at how playing a musical instrument might help keep your brain healthy as you get older, while also considering if being around loud music could have some downsides, and it’s for older adults who have played music, stopped playing, or never played at all.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11058388 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between playing a musical instrument and brain health in older adults. It examines both the benefits of musical training, such as preserved cognitive function, and the potential risks associated with exposure to loud environments. By comparing lifelong musicians, those who have stopped playing, and non-musicians, the study aims to understand how these factors interact and influence brain aging. Participants will contribute to a deeper understanding of how music can be both beneficial and potentially harmful to brain health over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include lifelong musicians and individuals who have stopped playing music since childhood.
Not a fit: Patients who have never played a musical instrument or are under 21 years old may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for maintaining cognitive function in aging populations through music.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the cognitive benefits of musical training, making this study a valuable extension of existing knowledge.
Where this research is happening
Storrs-Mansfield, United States
- University of Connecticut Storrs — Storrs-Mansfield, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skoe, Erika E — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Skoe, Erika E
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.