A new study reveals how regularly listening to music may help keep ageing brains sharp and, in turn, to significantly lower dementia risk and to reduce cognitive decline.
The study, from Monash University, further suggests that musical engagement could be a powerful, enjoyable tool for supporting cognitive resilience in ageing. Researchers analysed data from more than 10,800 older adults (aged 70 and older) and found that people in this age group who regularly listened to music experienced a 39 percent lower likelihood of developing dementia.
Listening to and playing music
The researchers analysis showed that individuals who consistently listened to music, compared with those who never, rarely, or only sometimes did so, had a 39 percent reduced risk of dementia (and a 17 percent lower incidence of cognitive impairment). Playing an instrument was also tied to benefits, with a 35 percent reduction in dementia risk (and a 22 percent reduced risk of cognitive impairment).
Listening to music activates a whole range of regions across the human brain.
It may be the case that practising and listening to music promotes brain plasticity and cognitive reserve.
Shifting social patterns
The researchers point out how their findings come at a time when population ageing is creating new public health challenges. Longer life expectancy has led to rising rates of age‐related conditions, including cognitive decline and dementia, which places increasing pressure on families and healthcare systems.
“Music engagement benefits were strongest in those with higher education (16+ years) but showed inconsistent results in the middle education group (12–15 years),” the study’s authors write.
The study was part of a wider project called ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) study and the ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons (ALSOP) sub‐study. The aim of ALSOP is to examine a broad range of general health, lifestyle, behavioural, social, economic and environmental factors that are relevant to the ageing population.
Parallel research
In a related study, a team from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), HES-SO Geneva and EPFL has discovered that practising and listening to music can alter cognitive decline in healthy seniors by stimulating the production of grey matter. To achieve these results, the researchers followed over 100 retired people who had never practiced music before. They were enrolled in piano and music awareness training for six months. These results open new prospects for the support of healthy ageing.
Research significance
The contribution the study makes is by adding to evidence that suggests that brain ageing is not only based on age and genetics but can be influenced by one’s own environmental and lifestyle choices.
Music activities may be an accessible strategy for maintaining cognitive health in older adults.
The research appears in the publication International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. The study is titled “What Is the Association Between Music‐Related Leisure Activities and Dementia Risk? A Cohort Study”.
