Music and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Scoping Review

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) detrimentally impacts the lives of affected individuals, typically older adults (Sanford, 2017). With the proportion of older adults exponentially increasing, the number of individuals with MCI is on the rise. Music-based interventions, in particular, have demonstrated benefit as a nonpharmacological treatment for individuals with MCI (Jordan et al., 2022). The purpose of this study was to summarize and describe the extant literature about music engagement and individuals with MCI. To this end, the researchers utilized a scoping review due to its flexible nature when reviewing large swaths of literature.

After two phases of review, 19 studies were included, with a total of 1,139 participants in the final synthesis.

Most were quantitative studies (n = 17) with a randomized controlled trial design (n = 13). Several were single session (n = 6) while others varied in frequency and duration up to 12 weeks (n = 5) or more. Most studies used receptive interventions (n = 12) and addressed cognitive outcomes (n = 14). Ten studies included statistically significant results; seven of them involved active engagement in music experiences such as singing, playing, and moving, rather than passive music listening. Researchers utilized 80 different measures across studies.

Patterns emerged across studies, but due to the variety of music intervention tasks, stimuli, measures, and outcomes, minimal generalizations can be made. Implications for clinical practice and research recommendations are provided.