Train the brain with music: Brain Plasticity and cognitive benefits induced by musical practice in elderly people in Germany and Switzerland

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Recent data suggest that music making might prevent cognitive decline in the elderly. However, experimental evidence remains sparse and no information on the neurophysiological basis has been provided, although cognitive decline is a major impediment to healthy aging. This study combines for the first time protocolled music practice in elderly with cutting-edge neuroimaging. We propose a multi-site Hannover-Geneva longitudinal randomized intervention study in altogether 100 retired healthy elderly (64-76) years, 40 Geneva, 60 Hannover), offering either piano instruction or instruction on music history and music theory for one year. Subjects will be tested at 3 time points on cognitive, perceptual and motor abilities as well as via wide-ranging functional and structural neuroimaging data (Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI). We expect positive transfer effects from intensive piano training not only on subjective well-being, but also on executive functions, working memory, hearing in noise and relationships of these behavioral features with morphological and functional brain plasticity. We may therefore for the first time demonstrate, that music making can provoke important societal impacts by diminishing cognitive and perceptual-motor decline underpinned by functional and structural brain plasticity. Not only does this project assemble a unique combination of expertise in music science, neurology, psychology, gerontology and (f)MRI data analyses, but moreover, the multisite approach will enhance statistical power and allow broader generalization of results.