Does Musical Training Improve Neuroplasticity In Adults?
It’s long been thought that musical training has a positive effect on the brain.
Now, a new study has found that musical training may actually improve neuroplasticity in adults – even if they didn’t start taking lessons until adulthood.
The study, published in Frontiers in Neuroscience, looked at a group of 48 adults aged 55-65 who had no prior musical training. Half of the group received 12 weeks of music lessons, while the other half did not.
The researchers found that those who received musical training showed increased neuroplasticity, as well as improved working memory and executive functioning, compared to those who did not receive musical training.
“These results suggest that it is never too late to begin reaping the cognitive benefits of music training,” said lead author Gabriela Ilie, of Coventry University.
“Our findings have implications not only for our understanding of how the brain changes with musical training, but also for how we can use music to boost cognitive abilities in older adults.”
This study provides yet more evidence of the many benefits of musical training. If you’re looking for a way to improve your cognitive skills, it’s time to dust off that old instrument or sign up for some lessons.