The main aim of EUTERPE_adn is to study the musical stimulus in the therapeutic context of neuropsychomotor illnesses and aging, using an approach at the forefront of knowledge based on scientific evidence. The cross-border proposal comes from the identification of a common problem in Galicia and northern Portugal, territories that are affected by depopulation, with social exclusion and a lack of opportunities for elderly adults and people with specific pathologies. 

EUTERPE_adn will contribute to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of people with dementia, Alzeimher’s, brain damage and elderly adults, by promoting music as an activity for healthy aging, which combats the loneliness and morbidity that this process often brings, through an extended group activity. To do this, the Institute of Health Research Foundation (FIDIS – Galicia) will draw on their experience from the Sensogenomics (sensogenomics.com) and their know-how in biomedical research, and in collaboration with the University of Minho (UMiño – Portugal) they propose addressing the impact of music on health from a multidisciplinary perspective that combines the study of genetic expression with neuropsychology and psychophysiology.

The project will incorporate renowned entities from the world of music and patient associations/users benefitting from the musical programme. The Casa de Música (Oporto) and the association Musicos ao Vivo (Galicia) will lead the music programme. The associations Dano Cerebral Santiago de Compostela, AGADEA (Asociación Galega de Ayuda a los Enfermos con Demencias tipo Alzheimer), Asociacion Alzheimer de Portugal and the Santa Casa de la Misericordia in Oporto will represent the beneficiary entities.

EUTERPE_adn promotes a socialising activity that will generate knowledge with a social impact leading towards personalised medication. This cross-border cooperation adds a new dimension to music as a non-pharmacological (non-invasive) therapy, in line with new innovations in biomedical reseach in the treatment of these illnesses. The main strengths of EUTERPE_adn are innovation and interdisciplinarity: it will be the first time that genetics and neuropsychology are brought together to treat a social problem. A totally unique, pioneering and brave project.