The main goal of the doctoral thesis is to investigate the optimal conditions under which background music can enhance cognition in patients with neurodegenerative disorders. Specifically, the project focuses on attentional functions in patients with Parkinson’s disease and learning new information in patients with episodic memory deficits (Mild Cognitive Impairment – MCI). To achieve this, the study follows specific objectives inspired both by previous findings in healthy individuals and the effects of context and emotions on cognitive functions.

Over the past year, significant progress has been made, especially regarding the attentional functions in Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The primary focus has been on Experiment 5, which aims to investigate the effects of mood and arousal induced by music (‘arousal-mood hypothesis’) on attentional performance in PD. Data collection has been successfully completed, and preliminary analysis suggests promising outcomes regarding the modulation of attentional networks through background music. The results have been presented at multiple international conferences, including The Neurosciences and Music VIII in Helsinki and The Future of Music and Arts in Medicine and Health (IAMM & ISfAM) in Berlin. Currently, I am in the process of writing a scientific paper based on these results, aiming to disseminate the findings within the academic community.

Regarding the learning and memory objectives (Experiments 1 to 4), Experiments 1, 2, and 3 have been completed and published in a scientific paper: (Calabria et al., 2023) Currently, data collection for Experiment 4 has been completed, and I am in the process of analyzing the data to investigate the effects of background music on associative memory tasks.

Overall, the project has advanced significantly toward achieving its research goals, with the attentional function study in PD nearing completion and substantial developments in the memory studies in MCI. The outcomes are expected to contribute valuable insights into the interplay between music, mood, and cognitive functions in clinical populations.

In the coming academic year, I plan to build on the progress achieved so far by focusing on the dissemination and further development of my research. Below are the key planned activities:

·       Submit manuscript on Experiment 5 (Parkinson’s Disease and attention): The paper will present the results from 51 participants and focus on the modulation of attentional networks through background music. The manuscript aims to be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal specializing in cognitive neuroscience or neuropsychology.

·       Submit manuscript on Experiment 4 (Associative memory and MCI): Based on data from 42 participants, this paper will explore the effect of musical background and arousal on associative memory. It will include detailed analyses of cognitive performance and discuss individual differences in responsiveness to music. Submission is planned for a journal in the fields of aging, memory, or clinical neuropsychology.

·       Attend international conference – Society for Music Perception and Cognition (SMPC) 2025: My study with Parkinson’s patients has been accepted as poster presentation. Participating in this conference will offer valuable networking opportunities with international experts in the field of music and cognition.

·       Explore secondment opportunities related to neuromodulation and music-based interventions: I will seek research stays at centers specializing in neuromodulation or clinical music interventions to deepen my knowledge and foster international collaboration.

·       Plan and conduct a new experiment using fNIRS: Building on the experience from my Parkinson’s study, I intend to develop a new experiment that investigates the neural mechanisms of music-related cognitive enhancement. The study will integrate fNIRS technology with updated behavioral paradigms.