Cognitive enhancement through music therapy: meta-analytic evidence across clinical population.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Cognitive decline in aging populations presents a growing public health concern. Music therapy has emerged as a promising non-invasive approach to enhance cognitive function.

Methods

This meta-analysis synthesized data from 14 studies (2010-2025) assessing Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) outcomes following music therapy interventions.

Results

Results revealed a significant improvement in cognitive function (SMD = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.67), particularly with passive listening-based therapies administered for more than 3 months (SMD = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.05 to 1.20). Furthermore, non-RCT study designs and publications made after 2019 showed larger effects due to larger sample sizes and technological advancements. These findings support the hypothesis tha

SUBMITTER: Mulia GJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12823501 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature