Vol. 25 No. 4a (2025): Special Issue
Open Access
Peer Reviewed

The Mechanisms of Instrumental Music Playing in Preserving Cognitive Function in Adulthood

Authors

Khadijah Almuthiiah , Aldhiya Azmy Bayanaka , Artu Alycia Laksmi Dewi , Dinda Zahra Putri Andiyani , Mohammad Saddam Alkautsar , Herpan Syafii Harahap , Briliansy Briliansy

DOI:

10.29303/jbt.v25i4a.10833

Published:

2025-12-21

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Abstract

Adulthood is divided into three stages: young adulthood, middle adulthood, and older adulthood. Middle adulthood (40-65 years) is the phase where the balance between growth and neurocognitive development begins. In this phase, prevention of cognitive decline is necessary by strengthening cognitive reserves through brain stimulation through musical activities. This study used a literature review method. In this article, we conducted a search using electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, and the National Institute of Health (NIH). The review found that playing music can increase dopamine in the reward system and inhibit the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which can improve motivation, attention, memory, and learning processes, thus strengthening cognitive function. Findings from Balinese gamelan and flute players indicate increased alpha and beta brainwave activity, which stimulate executive function, memory, and motivation. Therefore, playing traditional Indonesian music has the potential to improve cognitive abilities as a form of prevention of neurodegenerative disorders in adulthood. It was recommended that playing music in middle adulthood will improve cognitive function by playing traditional music.

Keywords:

Cognitive reserve Middle adulthood Neurogenerative disease Traditional music

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Author Biographies

Khadijah Almuthiiah, Universitas Mataram

Author Origin : Indonesia

Medical Education Study Program, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Univeristy of Mataram, Mataram, Indonesia.

Aldhiya Azmy Bayanaka

Author Origin : Indonesia

Medical Education Study Program, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Univeristy of Mataram, Mataram, Indonesia.

Artu Alycia Laksmi Dewi, Universitas Mataram

Author Origin : Indonesia

Medical Education Study Program, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Univeristy of Mataram, Mataram, Indonesia

Dinda Zahra Putri Andiyani, Universitas Mataram

Author Origin : Indonesia

Resident of Neurology Study Program, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Univeristy of Mataram, Mataram, Indonesia.

Mohammad Saddam Alkautsar, Universitas Mataram

Author Origin : Indonesia

Resident of Neurology Study Program, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Univeristy of Mataram, Mataram, Indonesia.

Herpan Syafii Harahap, Universitas Mataram

Author Origin : Indonesia

Departemen of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Mataram, Mataram, Indonesia.

Briliansy Briliansy, Universitas Mataram

Author Origin : Indonesia

Departemen of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Mataram, Mataram, Indonesia;

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How to Cite

Almuthiiah, K., Bayanaka, A. A., Dewi, A. A. L., Andiyani, D. Z. P., Alkautsar, M. S., Harahap, H. S., & Briliansy, B. (2025). The Mechanisms of Instrumental Music Playing in Preserving Cognitive Function in Adulthood. Jurnal Biologi Tropis, 25(4a), 542–548. https://doi.org/10.29303/jbt.v25i4a.10833

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