[Music and cognitive health]

The rising number of patients with cognitive impairment underscores the urgent need to explore new protective factors and potential therapeutic approaches. Art therapy, particularly music therapy, is an increasingly prominent field. Music significantly influences brain plasticity, autobiographical memory, and emotional well-being, making it a valuable activity for enhancing cognitive functions. Numerous studies have demonstrated that music improves both specific cognitive domains and the overall cognitive landscape. Listening to music can elevate the expression of genes linked to neuroprotection, neurogenesis, and synaptic neurotransmission while reducing the expression of genes associated with neurodegeneration. Moreover, musical interaction has been shown to modulate microRNA expression. Engaging with music can be an effective strategy for promoting cognitive health among the aging population. Music therapy is progressively recognized as a non-pharmacological approach to treating cognitive impairment. Among pharmacological treatments, Prospekta, which contains modified, affinity purified antibodies targeting the brain-specific protein S-100B, has demonstrated significant efficacy and safety.