The underlying roles and neurobiological mechanisms of music-based intervention in Alzheimer's disease: A comprehensive review

Liyang Sun ¹, Qin Wang ², Jing Ai ³

⁰Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy of Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin 150086, China.

Ageing Research Reviews +

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March 13, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Music interventions show promise for Alzheimer's disease (AD) by improving cognition, mood, and behavior. This review explores the mechanisms, including effects on brain blood flow and neurotransmitters, supporting music-based interventions (MBI) for AD.

Area Of Science

Neuroscience
Gerontology
Psychiatry

Background

Non-pharmacological therapies are increasingly vital for Alzheimer's disease (AD) management.
Music-based interventions (MBI) demonstrate potential in enhancing cognition, mood, and behavior in AD patients.
The precise mechanisms underlying MBI's effectiveness in AD require systematic elucidation.

Purpose Of The Study

To comprehensively review how music-based interventions (MBI) alleviate emotional, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's disease (AD).
To explore the neurobiological underpinnings of MBI in AD, focusing on cerebral blood flow, neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, and hormonal regulation.
To summarize the clinical applications and limitations of various MBI approaches (active, passive, hybrid) for AD.

Main Methods

Literature review synthesizing research on MBI mechanisms in AD.
Analysis of studies investigating MBI's impact on cerebral blood flow (CBF).
Examination of research on MBI's effects on neurotransmission (GABAergic, monoaminergic), synaptic plasticity, and hormonal release.

Main Results

MBIs positively influence cerebral blood flow (CBF) in individuals with AD.
Music interventions modulate key neurotransmitter systems, including GABAergic and monoaminergic pathways.
MBIs impact synaptic plasticity and hormonal release, contributing to cognitive and emotional regulation in AD.

Conclusions

Music-based interventions offer a promising non-pharmacological strategy for managing Alzheimer's disease symptoms.
Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of MBI enhances its therapeutic application in AD.
Further research into active, passive, and hybrid MBI is crucial for developing effective AD treatments.

Keywords:

Alzheimer's disease Cerebral blood flow Hormones Music-based intervention Neurotransmission Synaptic plasticity