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Listening to Music Linked to 39% Lower Dementia Risk in Older Adults
10 Nov
Summary
- Listening to music associated with 39% lower dementia risk in over-70s
- Playing an instrument linked to 35% reduced dementia risk
- Regularly engaging in both music listening and playing reduced dementia risk by 33%
According to a study conducted by researchers at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, listening to music when you're over 70 is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing dementia. The study, which involved more than 10,800 older adults, found that always listening to music was linked to a 39% decreased incidence of dementia and a 17% lower incidence of cognitive impairment.
Additionally, the researchers discovered that playing a musical instrument was associated with a 35% reduction in dementia risk. Regularly engaging in both music listening and playing was found to be even more beneficial, reducing the risk of dementia by 33% and the risk of cognitive impairment by 22%.
The findings suggest that music-based activities may be an effective strategy for maintaining cognitive health in older adults. As the prevalence of age-related diseases like dementia continues to rise, identifying accessible interventions to prevent or delay the onset of these conditions is crucial. The study's senior author, Professor Joanne Ryan, emphasized that brain aging can be influenced by lifestyle choices, and music-related activities may promote cognitive health.
