Cognitive enhancement through music therapy: meta-analytic evidence across clinical population
Mulia GJ, Chiang YH, Maringka SG, Wu JC, Ma HP, Ou JC, Chen KY
Frontiers in public health · 2 citations
How it was studied
- Design
- Meta-analysis (indexed by PubMed)
- Studied in
- People
- Main outcome
- Health markers and function
Who paid for it
- Funding
- Independent funding
- Government
- Ministry of Education, India
- University or hospital
- Taipei Medical University
- University or hospital
- National Taipei University of Technology
- Government
- National Science and Technology Council
- Grants
- National Science and Technology Council (113-2811-B-038-032)
Based on 4 listed funder(s) and full-text disclosure statement.
Publication
- Published
- 2026-01-08 · Front Public Health · vol. 13 · p. 1735470
- Publisher
- Frontiers Media
- Cited
- 3 citations · more than 99% of similar papers · 27.8× the field average
- Impact
- Top 10% most cited in its field
- References
- 51 works
- Access
- Open access (journal) · CC-BY
- Research areas
- Music Therapy and Health · Neuroscience and Music Perception · Functional Brain Connectivity Studies
- Keywords
- Cognition, Population, Population health, MEDLINE, Cognitive bias
- MeSH
- humans, music therapy, cognition, aged, cognitive dysfunction
7 authors
From TW, ID
- Gabriella Jeanne MuliaTaipei Medical University
- Yung-Hsiao ChiangTaipei Medical University Hospital; Taipei Medical University
- Stephanie Grace MaringkaIndonesia International Institute for Life Sciences
- Jinqing WuTaipei Medical University Hospital; Taipei Medical University
- Hon‐Ping MaTaipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital; Taipei Medical University
- Ju‐Chi Ou · correspondingTaipei Medical University
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 that auditory-based music therapy may facilitate neuroplasticity via modulation of the dopaminergic system and default mode network connectivity. The results underscore the therapeutic potential of music-based interventions as accessible, scalable, and non-invasive strategies for cognitive enhancement across diverse clinical populations.
Discussion
Music therapy, especially passive listening interventions, shows significant promise for improving cognitive function in aging populations. Larger effects in recent non-RCT studies likely reflect technological advancements and improved methodologies. Future research should standardize protocols, examine long-term outcomes, and investigate the neurobiological mechanisms, particularly dopaminergic modulation and default mode network changes, to optimize therapeutic strategies and validate music therapy's role in cognitive health.
Systematic review registration
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251004837, identifier PROSPERO (CRD420251004837).
Abstract via Europe PMC. Copyright remains with the authors or publisher (CC BY).
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