Relationships between rhythm perception and cognition in the healthy aging population

Little is known about overlaps between aging, declines in rhythm/timing perception, and healthy cognition. Neurobehavioral function in regions associated with executive functioning (working memory, attention, inhibition, processing speed) decline as a result of age. This may include declines in precise and accurate rhythm/timing perception. This literature review highlights the potential of precise and accurate rhythm/timing perception as a proxy measure of executive functioning in the healthy aging population. Analysis and discussion of included studies suggests multiple brain regions may overlap in both rhythm/timing perception and executive functioning, as well as social cognition. Developing understanding of these overlap may help in developing existing preventive interventions toward further reduction in age-related cognitive decline, as well as rehabilitative interventions in populations with neurodegenerative disease.