Can Music-Induced Brain Plasticity Delay Neurodegenerative Disorders in Musicians? Review and Cases

Abstract

Background: Intensive musical training induces neuroplasticity, potentially enhancing cognitive reserve and delaying neurodegenerative symptoms.

Summary: This review examines music-induced brain adaptations and therapeutic interventions in dementia and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Epidemiological evidence suggests reduced dementia risk among musicians, while rhythmic auditory cueing and dancing improve motor function in PD. Musical interventions may also alleviate cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia. The cases of Maurice Ravel and Aaron Copland illustrate musicians’ continued vulnerability to neurodegeneration.

Key Messages: Musical engagement may enhance cognitive resilience without preventing neurodegeneration. Larger randomized controlled trials with appropriate controls and long-term follow-up are needed to establish therapeutic efficacy and disease-modifying effects.

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BibTeX RIS

BibTeX

@article{altenmuller2026musicinduced,
  title = {{Can Music-Induced Brain Plasticity Delay Neurodegenerative Disorders in Musicians? Review and Cases}},
  author = {Eckart Altenmüller},
  journal = {Neuro-Degenerative Diseases},
  year = {2026},
  month = sep,
  doi = {10.1159/ndd/aduag004},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1159/ndd/aduag004},
  note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}

RIS

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Can Music-Induced Brain Plasticity Delay Neurodegenerative Disorders in Musicians? Review and Cases
AU  - Eckart Altenmüller
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/09/23
JO  - Neuro-Degenerative Diseases
DO  - 10.1159/ndd/aduag004
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1159/ndd/aduag004
AB  - Background: Intensive musical training induces neuroplasticity, potentially enhancing cognitive reserve and delaying neurodegenerative symptoms.  Summary: This review examines music-induced brain adaptations and therapeutic interventions in dementia and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Epidemiological evidence suggests reduced dementia risk among musicians, while rhythmic auditory cueing and dancing improve motor function in PD. Musical interventions may also alleviate cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia. The cases of Maurice Ravel and Aaron Copland illustrate musicians’ continued vulnerability to neurodegeneration.  Key Messages: Musical engagement may enhance cognitive resilience without preventing neurodegeneration. Larger randomized controlled trials with appropriate controls and long-term follow-up are needed to establish therapeutic efficacy and disease-modifying effects.
SN  - 1660-2854
SN  - 1660-2862
ER  -

Abstract

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