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Weak memory, difficulties with concentration and perception can be a natural part of aging, but also a harbinger of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Early detection of the causes of these difficulties can save the brain from possible degradation. The problem is that because of the lack of a good method, many people do not get the diagnosis, which reduces their chances of fighting dementia. Now that can change and the music will help. Less than a quarter of an hour is enough.
- Age-related cognitive decline (impaired memory, concentration, divided attention, etc.) may or may not be a risk factor for dementia
- Early detection of changes in the brain gives a better chance of stopping the degenerative process
- Still many people with impaired cognitive abilities remain undiagnosed
- A new pilot study shows that simple music tests can help predict cognitive decline in older adults. We explain what the innovative method is all about
- More information can be found on the Onet homepage
Weakening Memory and Concentration – A Sign of Aging or Dementia?
As we age, some people experience problems remembering new information or remembering past events. Sometimes there are also difficulties with concentration, divisibility of attention, and associating facts. These signals are frightening, and we often associate them with impending dementia or Alzheimer’s (the most common cause of dementia). It is worth remembering that it does not have to be the case that the symptoms mentioned above may indicate other health problems or be a natural part of the aging process. However, this absolutely does not mean that worsening cognitive changes can be left to themselves. Contrary.
Early identification of the basis of weakening memory or attention is the greatest weapon in the fight against dementia processes. The chances of stopping or slowing down possible neurodegenerative changes are then greatest. It also helps the sick person to plan for the future and make important life decisions.
Unfortunately, still many people with impaired cognitive abilities remain undiagnosed. As medicalnewstoday.com explains, one of the reasons is the lack of a precise method for detecting these types of changes. A breakthrough may be brought by a tool developed by Israeli scientists to detect cognitive decline as a risk factor for dementia. Music plays a huge role in it.
A simple music test in the fight against dementia. This was the experiment
The research was conducted at Tel Aviv University. The result is a breakthrough method that uses a short music test (12-15 minutes) and a portable device for measuring brain activity (EEG). The examined person hears short melodies played on various instruments. Based on them and the instructions given, he performs various musical and cognitive tasks of varying difficulty. For example, he presses a button every time any melody is playing, or presses it only when a violin is heard.
As part of the experiment, such tasks were performed by 50 volunteers aged 77 years on average from the Dorot-Netanya Geriatric Medical Center and 22 healthy controls. First, the participants’ cognitive state was assessed. Everyone passed the test commonly referred to as “mini-mental” (also known as the MMSE scale, or a short scale for assessing mental state). It is currently the gold standard in the assessment of cognitive functions (performed by a trained occupational therapist). However, MMS is usually only used after symptoms are observed.
After this stage, the participants were invited to take a music test. During the examination, these people were connected to the aforementioned EEG device using an adhesive band with three electrodes attached to their forehead. In this way, scientists were able to check whether the brain activity recorded by the EEG correlated with previously recorded levels of cognition. It was indeed so. “We have managed to show that music is indeed an effective tool for measuring brain activity” – notes one of the authors of Neta Maimon’s research (she developed a music test).
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A new weapon in the fight against dementia? Scientists explain
«Our method makes it possible to monitor cognitive abilities and detect their decline at an early stage. All using simple and accessible means, with a quick and easy test »- emphasize the authors of the study, noting that it can be performed by any member of staff in any clinic, without the need for special training.
Moreover, researchers note that from the patient’s perspective, the test may even be enjoyable. “Everyone who passed the experiment found it challenging on the one hand, but very enjoyable on the other,” notes Neta Maimon.
In short, the developed method could help diagnose cognitive decline at an early stage, enabling more effective treatment and prevention of severe dementia. While the results are promising, it should be noted that this is a pilot study with a relatively small number of participants. Therefore, further work is needed.