%0 Journal Article
%T Sensorimotor Impairment in Aging and Neurocognitive Disorders: Beat Synchronization and Adaptation to Tempo Changes.
%A von Schnehen A
%A Hobeika L
%A Houot M
%A Recher A
%A Puisieux F
%A Huvent-Grelle D
%A Samson S
%J J Alzheimers Dis
%V 100
%N 3
%D 2024 Jul 5
%M 38995777
%F 4.16
%R 10.3233/JAD-231433
%X <B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Understanding the nature and extent of sensorimotor decline in aging individuals and those with neurocognitive disorders (NCD), such as Alzheimer's disease, is essential for designing effective music-based interventions. Our understanding of rhythmic functions remains incomplete, particularly in how aging and NCD affect sensorimotor synchronization and adaptation to tempo changes.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>This study aimed to investigate how aging and NCD severity impact tapping to metronomes and music, with and without tempo changes.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Patients from a memory clinic participated in a tapping task, synchronizing with metronomic and musical sequences, some of which contained sudden tempo changes. After exclusions, 51 patients were included in the final analysis.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Participants' Mini-Mental State Examination scores were associated with tapping consistency. Additionally, age negatively influenced consistency when synchronizing with a musical beat, whereas consistency remained stable across age when tapping with a metronome.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>The results indicate that the initial decline of attention and working memory with age may impact perception and synchronization to a musical beat, whereas progressive NCD-related cognitive decline results in more widespread sensorimotor decline, affecting tapping irrespective of audio type. These findings underline the importance of customizing rhythm-based interventions to the needs of older adults and individuals with NCD, taking into consideration their cognitive as well as their rhythmic aptitudes.