Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
Both listening to it and playing seems to have a remarkable effect.
A major Australian study is drawing attention to a simple pastime that may help protect older brains.
Researchers examined thousands of adults over 70 and found that those who regularly engaged with music fared noticeably better in long-term cognitive health.
According to reporting from Monash University, researchers analyzed data from more than 10,800 older adults and identified clear patterns:
Participants who consistently listened to music had a 39 percent lower chance of developing dementia compared with peers who rarely or never listened.
Playing also makes a hugh difference
The team, led by honours student Emma Jaffa and Professor Joanne Ryan, also examined the effects of playing instruments.
That activity was linked to a 35 percent reduction in dementia risk.
Their conclusions were based on information from the ASPREE aging study and its ALSOP sub-study, with results published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
Cognitive gains
People who said they “always” listened to music not only showed significantly fewer dementia diagnoses but also recorded stronger cognitive scores overall.
Researchers reported a 17 percent reduction in cognitive impairment for this group, as well as better episodic memory.
Those who both listened to and played music displayed combined advantages, with a 33 percent drop in dementia risk and a 22 percent decline in cognitive impairment.
Ms Jaffa told Monash University that the work “suggests music activities may be an accessible strategy for maintaining cognitive health in older adults, though causation cannot be established,” a reminder that the findings reflect association rather than proof of cause.
Sources: Monash University, International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, Science Daily
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, who may have used AI in the preparation
