Language, Music and Dementia (2026-2027)

Background

Understanding how the brain processes language and music — and how these abilities interact across the lifespan — is central to contemporary cognitive neuroscience. Research has shown that both musicianship and multilingualism are associated with enhanced neural connectivity, cognitive flexibility and potential protective effects against age-related decline. These findings are particularly relevant to dementia, where training in language and music may strengthen cognitive reserve and slow symptom progression.

This project brings together researchers from across Duke working at the intersection of linguistics, music, neuroscience and neurosurgery. The team uses a combination of neuroimaging (including fMRI, diffusion tensor imaging and resting-state functional MRI), dry electroencephalogram (EEG) and behavioral assessments to explore how musicianship and multilingualism shape brain networks. By studying healthy individuals and clinical populations, the team investigates how language and music may contribute to brain health across adulthood and into older age.

Project Description

This ongoing, multi-year project includes three research pathways that examine how language and music are represented in the brain and how these relationships may inform approaches to dementia and healthy aging.

1. Neuroimaging (fMRI, DTI, rsfMRI):
Students will continue working with an IRB-approved protocol that collects neuroimaging data from professional or high-proficiency musicians and highly proficient bi- or multilingual speakers. The team scans approximately 20 subjects per year and analyzes structural and functional connectivity using the FMRIB Software Library (FSL) and related tools.

2. Dry EEG acquisition and analysis:
The team’s 16-channel EEG system enables rapid data collection and analysis with software such as NeuroGuide. Students will collect EEG data on language and music tasks, gaining hands-on experience in electrophysiology and behavioral study design.

3. Behavioral data and cognitive reserve:
Students will collect language proficiency measures, musicianship histories, interviews and other behavioral data. These data complement neuroimaging findings and support investigations into how musicianship and multilingualism contribute to cognitive resilience and dementia-related outcomes.

Team members will participate in all aspects of research — from protocol development and IRB training to data collection, analysis, publication drafting and presentation. The project is closely linked with the spring course NEURO/LINGUISTICS/MUSIC 595: Language, Music & Dementia, which provides additional academic grounding.

Anticipated Outputs

• Neuroimaging and EEG datasets examining language and music processing
• Comparative analyses of resting-state functional connectivity
• Peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
• Honors theses in neuroscience, psychology and related fields
• Improved protocols for studying cognitive reserve
• Collaborative research across Arts & Sciences and Duke School of Medicine

Student Opportunities

Ideally, this project team will include 2 graduate students and 10 undergraduate students. Students from neuroscience, linguistics, music, cognitive science, psychology, biomedical engineering and the School of Medicine (including neurology, geriatrics and neurosurgery trainees) are encouraged to apply.

Students will gain experience in:

• Human subjects research and IRB/CITI requirements
• fMRI, DTI, resting-state functional connectivity and EEG data collection
• Neuroimaging analysis using FSL and EEG analysis using NeuroGuide
• Behavioral research on multilingualism, musicianship and cognition
• Scientific writing and preparation of peer-reviewed publications
• Collaborative research across multiple labs and clinical partners

Students will work directly with team leaders and clinical collaborators, participate in weekly meetings and journal clubs, and contribute to emerging research papers. Past teams produced seven peer-reviewed articles (2023-2024) and six honors theses (2023-2026), with more in progress.

Timing

Fall 2026 – Spring 2027

Fall 2026:

• fMRI, DTI, rsfMRI and EEG data collection
• Behavioral surveys on language and musicianship
• IRB certification and protocol training
• Analysis of functional connectivity and cognitive reserve measures

Spring 2027:

• Honors thesis defenses and manuscript drafting
• Continued imaging and EEG data analysis
• Comparative rsfMRI analyses across clinical and healthy populations
• Student presentations and preparation of publications

Crediting

Academic credit available for fall and spring semesters

See earlier related team, Language, Music and Dementia (2025-2026).