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. 

Date: November 22, 2024; March 21, 2025

Place: Mediterranean Food Studies, Torribera Mediterranean Center, Universitat de Barcelona

Reflection on the activity: This lecture focused on the psychological benefits of the Mediterranean diet, exploring how dietary habits influence mental health and cognitive function. The presentation included evidence-based insights on the positive impact of Mediterranean dietary patterns on mood regulation and the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. Attendees gained practical knowledge on incorporating Mediterranean principles into their daily lives to enhance mental well-being.

Date: September 24, 2024

Place: Casa Golferichs, Barcelona

Reflection on the activity: This workshop explored the impact of diet on mental health, highlighting how dietary habits can influence cognitive and emotional well-being. We presented scientific evidence on how up to 33% of psychiatric and neurological conditions may be influenced by nutrition. The interactive session encouraged participants to reflect on their eating habits and introduced the key principles of the Mediterranean diet, emphasizing local and seasonal food, mindful eating, and the social aspects of culinary traditions. Participants left with practical tools and scientific knowledge to make healthier food choices, aimed at enhancing mental well-being and overall quality of life.

Date: September 28, 2024

Place: Vil·la Urània, Barcelona

Reflection on the activity: In this workshop, co-hosted with Ana Hernández Sauret, we introduced participants to the fascinating world of fNIRS (Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy), a non-invasive neuroimaging technique. Through live demonstrations, we showcased how the brain reacts to cognitive and motor tasks, allowing the audience to observe real-time brain activity. The interactive format engaged attendees by encouraging them to guess which brain areas were activated during specific challenges. This experience not only raised awareness about cutting-edge neuroscience methods but also fostered curiosity about brain function and cognition.

Date: March 2024

Place: Amplifier Berlin

Reflection on the learning and competencies: Attended a training session on fNIRS (functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy), an innovative neuroimaging technique. The workshop deepened my understanding of data acquisition and analysis using fNIRS, which is essential for ongoing and future projects in our lab.

Date: September 2024 – January 2025

Place: Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)

Reflection on the learning and competencies: Participated in the “Article Writing Workshop,” part of the training offered to doctoral students by the School of Health and Psychology. The workshop enhanced my skills in scientific writing and manuscript preparation, essential for disseminating research findings.

Date: September 18-21, 2024

Place: Berlin, Germany

Reflection on the activity: Delivered a talk presenting the preliminary results of the project. The presentation was well-received, and it was a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas with professionals working at the intersection of music, arts, and health.

Date: July 3–5, 2024

Place: Porto, Portugal

Event: Global Neuropsychology Congress 2024

Reflection on the activity:

Presented two research posters at the Global Neuropsychology Congress 2024. The first poster, titled “The Role of Background Music in Attentional Networks in Parkinson’s Disease”, showcased preliminary findings from Experiment 5of my doctoral research, highlighting how music-induced mood and arousal states can modulate attentional performance in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, using the ANT (Attentional Network Test) .

The second poster, “Efficacy of a Theatre-Based Intervention in Parkinson’s Disease”, summarized the results of a collaborative study evaluating the emotional and functional impact of theatre-based therapy in PD patients. Both presentations provided opportunities to engage with leading experts in neuropsychology and receive valuable feedback for further development of these research lines.