Results in Engineering (Jun 2024)
A systematic review on effect of music intervention on cognitive impairment using EEG, fMRI, and cognitive assessment modalities
Abstract
Cognitive disorders, which are neurocognitive impairments in adults often manifest as poor memory function including recall deficits, attention deficits, low semantic processing, and poor reaction time. Music therapy, a form of therapeutic intervention, has been used in cognitive rehabilitation for people with cognitive disorders. Previous research has suggested that music therapy can restore temporary impairment of brain plasticity. Thus, the objective of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of music therapy interventions on cognitively impaired patients. The data for this systematic review were obtained from PubMed and ScienceDirect between 2010 and 2023, using the search terms music therapy, cognition, listening to music, background music, instrumental music, electroencephalogram (EEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and cognitive assessment, either individually or in combination. Original research articles relevant to the objectives of this systematic review were selected and analyzed to identify the categories that play a crucial role in the cognitive rehabilitation of music therapy. Specifically, the review summarized the categories of characteristics of participants, the genre of music encompassed, tasks given for cognitive assessment, measures adopted in the articles, and outcomes of music therapy, especially while listening to music in each modality, including cognitive assessments, EEG, and fMRI. The findings demonstrated improvements in attention, executive function, episodic memory, semantic memory, incongruency discrimination, and visual reaction after listening to music. Additionally, the study found that classical instrumental music, duration of music therapy intervention, and minimal effort tasks were critical elements of music therapy.
