Music Therapy as a Low-Cost Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Introduction Alzheimer's disease affects over 55 million people globally, projected to double by 2030 and triple by 2050. It ranks among the top 10 causes of death, necessitating urgent treatment and cures. Music therapy positively impacts brain development and plasticity, particularly in the medial temporal lobe. It shows promise as a therapeutic approach for enhancing neuroplasticity in the hippocampus, benefiting individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Materials and Methods This review explores music therapy as a cost-effective and side-effect-free avenue for patients to alleviate neurodegenerative symptoms based on the analysis of 21 other articles published by renowned authors. Discussion Alzheimer's disease causes hippocampal abnormalities and cognitive decline. Music, with musical mnemonics and enhanced working memory, shows promise for memory improvement. Music therapy induces neuroplasticity, potentially treating hippocampal neuron loss. Vocal training improves psychomotor speed and reduces dementia symptoms. Further exploration of music therapy may offer novel strategies for alleviating Alzheimer's symptoms and benefiting neurological disorders. Mechanisms underlying therapeutic benefits require further investigation. Music therapy holds inherent potential for Alzheimer's and related neurodegenerative diseases. Conclusion Empirical evidence shows musical training enhances hippocampal plasticity and gray matter volume, suggesting music therapy may treat hippocampal neuron loss in Alzheimer's disease, improving working memory. It holds promise for Alzheimer's and related neurodegenerative disorders by enhancing hippocampal function, but further research on underlying mechanisms is needed.