Individualized Piano Instruction enhances executive functioning and working memory in older adults

TLDR

The study evaluates whether individualized piano instruction can transfer sensorimotor training to improve executive function and mitigate age‑related cognitive decline in older adults. Thirty‑one musically naïve adults aged 60–85 were randomized to an IPI group or control, with neuropsychological tests administered before training, after six months of intervention, and after a three‑month follow‑up. Participants receiving IPI showed significant gains on the Trail Making Test and Digit Symbol, indicating that piano instruction can effectively improve executive function in older adults. Acknowledgements: We thank research assistant Adriane Argenio and the Evelyn F.

Abstract

Abstract This study evaluates transfer from domain-specific, sensorimotor training to cognitive abilities associated with executive function. We examined Individualized Piano Instruction (IPI) as a potential cognitive intervention to mitigate normal age-related cognitive decline in older adults. Thirty-one musically naïve community-dwelling older adults (ages 60–85) were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 16) or control group (n = 15). Neuropsychological assessments were administered at three time points: pre-training, following six months of intervention, and following a three-month delay. The experimental group significantly improved performance on the Trail Making Test and Digit Symbol measures as compared to healthy controls. Results of this study suggest that IPI may serve as an effective cognitive intervention for age-related cognitive decline. Acknowledgements We wish to acknowledge our research assistant, Adriane Argenio, for her assistance with data collection, and the Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Research Foundation for their generous support.