Nine independent living, elderly, Alexian Village residents agreed to learn to play a musical instrument by participating in a structured music program, called Mature Musicians. Only one had played a musical instrument before, but stopped playing it more than 60 years ago.  For 16 weeks, the residents participated in formal music lessons, once per week by an instructor, and then practiced an additional 3-4 times per week on their own.   Memory and cognition of the nine participants were tested before starting the program and seven were tested again after 16 weeks using the ADACog scale.  Although there were no significant cognitive deficits, all had a measurable decline in memory. All seven participants demonstrated substantial improvements in their memory testing after 16 weeks.   Deterioration in memory seems to be an early indicator for the development of Alzheimer’s disease.  Conversely, it has been postulated that stimulation of memory may reduce the relative risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease  A number of therapeutic approaches for stimulating memory have been considered including specific memory training, music and art therapy, increased socialization and recall.  However, there is limited clinical data demonstrating the effectiveness of specific approaches for improving memory or preventing Alzheimer’s disease.  In this pilot study we tested the hypothesis that the brain has significant plasticity and that novel mental exercises, playing a musical instrument, may improve memory, even at an older age.  Nine elderly, independent living residents of the retirement facility, Alexian Village , Milwaukee WI , agreed to participate in a novel music program, Mature Musicians.  They were required to learn how to play a musical instrument and read music.  Memory and cognition were tested in all participants before and after the 16-week program.  Seven participants agreed to be tested after 16 weeks.  All seven demonstrated substantial improvements in memory.  These results support the concept that stimulating the brain with new challenges can improve overall memory function.      Nine, elderly, independent living residents of the Alexian Village , Milwaukee WI volunteered for the “Mature Musicians” program (Table I).  Only one volunteer had any musical experience.  She played the piano, in elementary school, but had stopped playing 60 years earlier.  All other participants had no experience with musical instruments or reading music. The Mature Musicians program consisted of formal lessons, one hour, once per week at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, Milwaukee WI .  The participants then practiced their instruments, at least 3-4 times per week either on their own or in small groups at the Alexian Village .  Results  Memory and cognition were tested in seven participants before and after the 16-week Mature Musicians program (Material and Methods).  Initially, all had some deficits in memory.  After the 16 weeks, however, all had substantial improvements in memory.  Cognition was excellent in most of the Mature Musicians.  Only one had any discernable deficit (#4) and it improved by the end of the program.     Discussion  Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neuro-degenerative disease that affects a significant and growing part of the population.  Approximately 10% of all people over the age of 65 and as many as 50% of those over the age of 85 are diagnosed with the condition.  Unfortunately, Alzheimer medications are limited by clinical effectiveness and side effects.  Epidemiological studies suggest that prevention strategies hold promise, but prospective, clinical research is lacking.   Deteriorating memory is a hallmark finding for Alzheimer’s as well as consistent with the natural aging process.  Mentally stimulating activities, like music, may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.  Most studies have employed a music appreciation approach with patients already diagnosed with Alzheimer's; passively listening to music rather than actively participating.  Notwithstanding, the music therapy approach has measurable benefits.  Supporting these findings, biochemical parameters of stress may also improve with music therapy.       The results in this study were initially unexpected The improvements in memory are notable given the relatively short time period between evaluations.  The improvements in memory are, with a doubt, related to the intensity of Mature Musicians program.  This program extends beyond the standard music therapy program.  It is an active, mentally and physically challenging curriculum.  Participants were treated like regular music students, including participating in local concert performances.  This program required them to reach beyond their zones of comfort, with greater expectations.  In addition, actively playing music activates many areas of the brain including both frontal and temporal lobes as well as deeper structures.  In addition, playing concerto activates more parts of the brain than simply playing scales.  Given the extent of brain stimulation involved in reading and playing music, these results may not be so surprising.  To the author’s knowledge, this is the first clinical trial demonstrating a direct memory-enhancing benefit, in the elderly, from learning to play a musical instrument.  There are a number of questions to be answered with further research.  Will the improvement in memory, seen in the initial 16 weeks, persist over time?  With additional practice, will memory continue to improve?  What percent of the participants will go on to develop Alzheimer’s  Can intervention at a younger age prevent Alzheimer’s? Are these results reproducible in early Alzheimer’s?    This program is ongoing.  New participants are being added about every 16 weeks.  We will be able to follow this program over time to explore the long-term benefits of this type of intervention both on memory as well as the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.