Using music to enhance brain function in older adults
Multimodal Musical Stimulation for Healthy Neurocognitive Aging
This study is exploring how listening to special types of music can help older adults boost their memory and attention by stimulating brain activity, making it a fun and natural way to support healthy aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10584522 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how music can stimulate brain activity in older adults to improve cognitive functions such as memory and attention. By using specific sound frequencies and rhythms, the study aims to enhance neural oscillations, which are crucial for processing information. Participants will listen to music that incorporates gamma-band energy, which is believed to help restore the brain's natural rhythms that decline with age. The approach is designed to be a natural and sustainable method for promoting healthy neurocognitive aging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing cognitive decline or impairment.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment or those unable to engage with music may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, non-invasive methods for improving cognitive health in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using music and auditory stimulation to enhance cognitive functions in aging populations.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Northeastern University — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Loui, Psyche — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Loui, Psyche
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.