In a recent study, experts followed more than 100 elderly people who had never played music before. These people spent six months learning to play the piano and learn music. And the results of this experiment are described in NeuroImage: Reports.
Throughout our lives, our brain changes based on experiences and environmental conditions. For example, a person may learn new skills or have a stroke. But this plasticity of the brain decreases with age: the brain loses the gray matter in which the neurons are located. That is, brain atrophy occurs.
Gradually, man’s cognitive abilities decline. And working memory suffers the most. This is a memory that helps us remember information for a short time: for example, a phone number to write it down.
A recent study showed that music practice and active listening to music help prevent the deterioration of working memory. These exercises contributed to an increase in gray matter volume. 132 healthy retirees aged between 62 and 78 participated in the study.
Participants were randomly divided into two groups. One group was given lessons on active listening, recognizing musical instruments, analysis of musical characteristics in various styles, and piano lessons for the other group. Classes lasted for an hour and homework had to be done for 30 minutes a day.
Six months later, it was revealed that people had an increase in gray matter in four areas of the brain associated with higher cognitive functions. Thus, cerebellum performance increased by 6%.
Also, in pianists, gray matter volume remained stable in the right primary auditory cortex, a key area of sound processing, while gray matter volume decreased in active listeners. All participants also experienced brain atrophy. In other words, music lessons still prevent brain aging in certain areas.
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Source: Ferra
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