Subcortical gray matter aging and attentional control in amateur musicians and nonmusicians

Abstract

Aging is associated with declines in attentional control. While most studies have explored the relationship between brain structure and attention at the cortical level, subcortical structures remain largely overlooked. Leisure activities, such as musical practice, are thought to promote brain reorganization and help preserve cognitive function in aging. However, evidence for such effects at the subcortical level remains limited. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the relationship between age, subcortical gray matter, and attentional control in amateur musicians and nonmusicians. A total of 108 adults (20–88 years) were recruited, including 34 singers, 37 instrumentalists, and 37 active nonmusicians. Participants completed an auditory selective attention task and a visual inhibition task. Anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images were acquired to examine the relationship between subcortical volumes and attentional measures. Our results indicate that aging is associated with worse attentional control and smaller subcortical volumes. While no group differences in subcortical volume were observed, significant interactions emerged between musical activity and subcortical volume in relation to attentional control, particularly in inhibition. Notably, in singers, greater musical experience and smaller subcortical volumes were linked to better inhibition. These results refine our understanding of subcortical contributions to attentional control in aging musicians and nonmusicians.