Listening to or playing music regularly may lower dementia risk in adults over 70, according to research tracking more than 10,800 people.
A study of more than 10,800 adults aged over 70 found those who listened to music most days had a 39 per cent lower likelihood of developing dementia than people who sometimes, rarely or never listened.
Frequent listeners also showed a 17 per cent lower rate of cognitive impairment, meaning a noticeable decline in thinking ability that is greater than normal ageing but not severe enough to be dementia.
Participants who listened to music regularly also recorded higher overall cognitive scores and stronger episodic memory, the ability to recall specific personal experiences or everyday events.
Playing an instrument, including singing, was linked with a 35 per cent reduction in dementia risk.
People who both listened to and played music regularly had a 33 per cent lower risk of dementia and a 22 per cent lower risk of cognitive impairment.
The research was carried out by a team at Monash University in Australia.
“We know that listening to music engages multiple brain areas at once, acting like a full-brain workout,” said Emma Jaffa, a biomedical science honours student at Monash who co-authored the study with Joanne Ryan, a professor of biological neuropsychiatry at the university.
“Previous studies show it improves processing speed, language, memory and coordination. Plus, it often involves socialising with others, which helps protect brain health.”
Jaffa, who plays bass and sings, said the findings were also personally meaningful.
“I think that’s what drew me to this topic. It was the combination of a hobby and the possibility of delivering actionable insights to others,” she said.
She said she is often asked whether some types of music may offer more benefit than others.
Participants in the study were not asked which genres they listened to, but Jaffa said this is something she hopes to explore in future research.
Another question is whether listening to music might help reduce the risk of cognitive decline in people younger than 70.
