Music and the Aging Brain

Music and the Aging Brain describes brain functioning in aging and addresses the power of music to  protect the brain from loss of function and how to cope with the ravages of brain diseases that accompany aging. By studying the power of music in aging through the lens of neuroscience, behavioral, and clinical science, the book explains brain organization and function. Written for those researching the brain and aging, the book provides solid examples of research fundamentals, including rigorous standards for sample selection, control groups, description of intervention activities, measures of health outcomes, statistical methods, and logically stated conclusions.

Summarizes brain structures supporting music perception and cognition Examines and explains music as neuroprotective in normal aging Addresses the association of hearing loss to dementia Promotes a neurological approach for research in music as therapy Proposes questions for future research in music and aging

1. The musical brain
2. Cognitive aging, memory and attention
3. Hearing difficulties
4. Neurodegenerative diseases
5. Stroke and acquired amusia
6. “Curious” cases of preservation of musical processing despite disease
7. Brain plasticity and music training
8. Cognitive reserve and interventions
9. Musical activity, practice and cognitive aging
10. Singing and choirs
11. Physical activity, dance and brain function
12. Hearing difficulties, aging, and musical training
13. Benefits and limits of musical interventions in pathological aging
14. Therapeutic perspectives
15. Music therapy
16. Recovery of skills in stroke patients