A preliminary study suggests that piano lessons could help mitigate cognitive decline, often referred to as "brain fog," in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The "Keys to Staying Sharp" program, conducted at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, explores the potential of music to support brain health during cancer treatment.
Robin Hesselink, a stage 4 metastatic breast cancer patient participating in the pilot program, reported that piano practice provided a positive and enjoyable distraction from the stressors of treatment. "Even for those 30 minutes or an hour, I could forget about the other stuff and have something enjoyable," Hesselink said.
Enhanced Executive Function
According to a news release from the University of South Florida (USF), the piano lessons appeared to enhance the "executive function" of participants' brains. Jennifer Bugos, a professor of music education at USF, is leading the research to determine if social support through musical instrument learning can improve cognition in cancer patients.
The study aims to identify which cognitive areas benefit most and the ideal duration of music training for patients. "We are interested in examining whether social support while learning a musical instrument can increase cognition in patients undergoing treatment for cancer," Bugos stated.
Comprehensive Patient Care
Dr. Melissa Mallory, a surgical oncologist at Moffitt collaborating on the project, emphasized the importance of addressing mental health in cancer care. "Receiving a cancer diagnosis and undergoing cancer treatment can significantly impact mental health and overall patient wellness," Dr. Mallory said. "Identifying new strategies to improve outcomes in these arenas -- especially medication-free options -- is needed to facilitate truly comprehensive patient-centric cancer care."
The study involved 15 patients, and the data has yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. However, initial patient feedback has been encouraging. Bugos also noted that music therapy, such as playing the J-Sax, has shown promise in improving breathing and cognitive skills in individuals recovering from severe COVID.
Broader Applications of Music Therapy
Darlene DeMarie, a participant in the JSax program, shared her positive experience, stating, "It definitely was challenging at first, but it was rewarding when I noted my progress over time. Music is like therapy, and it definitely adds to our lives."
