Abstract
Music listening interventions such as Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation can improve mobility, balance, and gait in Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Yet, the impact of music training on executive functions is not yet known. Deficits in executive functions (e.g., attention, processing speed) in patients with PD result in gait interference, deficits in emotional processing, loss of functional capacity (e.g., intellectual activity, social participation), and reduced quality of life. The model of temporal prediction and timing suggests two networks collectively contribute to movement generation and execution: the basal ganglia-thalamocortical network (BGTC) and the cerebellar-thalamocortical network (CTC). Due to decreases in dopamine responsible for the disruption of the BGTC network in adults with PD, it is hypothesized that rhythmic auditory cues assist patients through recruiting an alternate network, the CTC, which extends to the supplementary motor areas (SMA) and the frontal cortices. In piano training, fine motor finger movements activate the cerebellum and SMA, thereby exercising the CTC network. We hypothesize that exercising the CTC network through music training will contribute to enhanced executive functions. Previous research suggested that music training enhances cognitive performance (i.e., working memory and processing speed) in healthy adults and adults with cognitive impairments. This review and rationale provides support for the use of music training to enhance cognitive outcomes in patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD).
Highlights
Music listening interventions such as Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation can improve mobility, balance, and gait in Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
Deficits in executive functions in patients with PD result in gait interference, deficits in emotional processing, loss of functional capacity, and reduced quality of life [2,3]
Due to decreases in dopamine responsible for the disruption of the basal ganglia-thalamocortical network (BGTC) network in PD, it is hypothesized that rhythmic auditory cues, like those used in piano training, assist patients through recruiting an alternate cerebellar-thalamocortical network (CTC) network which extends to the supplementary motor areas (SMA) and the frontal cortices [31,32]
Summary
In a meta-analysis of executive function ability in adults with PD, Kudlicka, Clare, and Hindle [8]. Found significant deficits in all tested skills including cognitive flexibility, set switching, inhibition, selection attention, working memory, and concept formation These deficits may be compounded by typical age-related cognitive decline and may be the precursor to mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) and dementia (PDD) [9]. One observed trend was a progression of cognitive decline, regardless of baseline cognitive status For those with normal cognition at baseline (n = 142), the incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was 9.9%, 23.2%, and 28.9% by year 1, 3, and 5, respectively. The researchers stated that those who reverted to normal cognition within the first three years are at a continued risk for developing dementia Given these findings, those patients with MCI who revert to normal cognition may be excellent candidates for cognitive interventions to prevent progressive cognitive decline
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call