AUTHOR=Tang LiJuan , Feng Zan , Zhang Yunxu , Tong Feng 

TITLE=The effects of music-based interventions on cognitive function in cognitively normal older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1632873

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1632873

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate whether music-based interventions (MBIs) can improve cognitive function in cognitively normal older adults.MethodsWe systematically searched multiple databases through March 2025. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Eligible interventions were structured programs with music as the core component. Participants were cognitively normal adults aged ≥60 years. Primary outcome measures included global cognition, memory, executive function, and attention. A random-effects model meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize effect sizes.ResultsNine RCTs (total N = 625 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Music-based interventions significantly improved global cognition [SMD = 0.31, 95% CI (0.11, 0.52)], memory [SMD = 0.36, 95% CI (0.04, 0.69)], and executive function [SMD = 0.43, 95% CI (0.11, 0.74)] compared to control groups. However, no significant improvement in attention was observed [SMD = −0.12, 95% CI (−0.34, 0.11)].ConclusionMusic-based interventions have positive effects on global cognition, executive function, and memory in cognitively normal older adults, but there is no evidence of improvement in attention. Larger sample sizes and higher-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.