A Study Revealed Doing This Highly Enjoyable Activity Every Day Could Lower Your Dementia Risk
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 to music.
- 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, coordination, and social engagement, all of which help protect brain health.
- Future research aims to explore whether specific music genres have different cognitive benefits and if music can reduce dementia risk in adults younger than 70.