A Study Revealed Doing This Highly Enjoyable Activity Every Day Could Lower Your Dementia Risk
aol.com • • health
Key Points:
- A Monash University study of over 10,800 adults aged 70+ found that those who listened to music daily had a 39% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who rarely or never listened.
- Playing a musical instrument or singing was linked to a 35% reduction in dementia risk, while combining both listening and playing music regularly reduced dementia risk by 33% and cognitive impairment by 22%.
- Frequent music listeners also showed a 17% lower incidence of cognitive impairment, along with better overall cognitive scores and episodic memory.
- Researchers suggest that music stimulates multiple brain areas simultaneously, improving processing speed, language, memory, and coordination, and often involves social interaction, which benefits brain health.
- Future research aims to explore whether certain music genres offer greater cognitive benefits and if music listening reduces dementia risk in people younger than 70.
