Study Finds Listening to Music May Reduce Dementia Risk
A recent study from Australian researchers suggests that music engagement in later life may be associated with a noticeably lower risk of developing dementia. The findings come from an analysis of 10,893 adults aged 70 and older who lived in retirement communities and had no dementia diagnosis at the time of enrollment. Participants were surveyed about how often they listened to music and whether they played an instrument, then followed for at least three years.
Key Findings from the Study
Participants who reported consistently listening to music showed the strongest association with reduced dementia risk. This group was nearly 40 percent less likely to develop dementia compared to those who rarely or never listened. They also showed a lower likelihood of developing milder cognitive impairments and performed better on assessments that measured general thinking skills and the ability to recall daily events.
Regularly playing an instrument was also linked to reduced dementia risk, with a decrease of roughly 35 percent. Unlike listening, however, playing music did not show the same pattern of protection for broader forms of cognitive impairment in this dataset.
Individuals who both listened to and played music showed combined benefits, including a reduced risk of dementia and a smaller but notable reduction in unrelated cognitive challenges. Education levels appeared to influence outcomes, with participants who had longer formal education showing the clearest benefits from music engagement.
Photo Credit: FreePik
How Music May Support Cognitive Health
While the study does not prove that music directly prevents dementia, it adds to ongoing research suggesting that musical activities stimulate multiple regions of the brain. This type of mental engagement may support cognitive resilience as people age. The study also aligns with broader findings connecting hearing health to dementia risk, since untreated hearing loss has been identified as a contributing factor to cognitive decline.
What This Means for Older Adults
These results highlight music as an accessible activity that may support long term cognitive health. Whether through active playing or simple daily listening, staying connected to music could serve as a practical part of healthy aging. The researchers note that more work is needed to confirm causation, but the associations are promising and continue to build on the understanding of how the brain responds to sound and rhythm.
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