Music linked to dramatic drop in dementia risk for over-70s

Research shows people aged over 70 who regularly listened to music had up to a 39% lower risk of developing dementia, while those who played an instrument had a 35% reduced risk.

The research, which was led by honours student Emma Jaffa and Professor Joanne Ryan at Australia’s Monash University, analysed data which followed 10,893  Australians who were 70 years and older, without dementia diagnosis at recruitment to the study.

The researchers examined how frequently participants engaged with music, by either listening to or playing it, and tracked dementia diagnoses over time.

They found that people who always listened to music, compared with those who never, rarely or only sometimes did, had a 39% lower risk of dementia and a 17% lower risk of cognitive impairment.

Playing an instrument was linked to a 35% drop in dementia risk, while combining listening and playing produced a 33% decrease in dementia and 22% reduction in cognitive impairment.

Beyond reducing dementia risk, consistent music listening was also associated with better overall cognition and stronger episodic memory – the type of memory used for recalling daily events. Benefits were strongest among those with higher education levels.

Professor Ryan said: ‘Evidence suggests that brain ageing is not just based on age and genetics but can be influenced by one’s own environmental and lifestyle choices. Our study suggests that lifestyle-based interventions, such as listening and/or playing music can promote cognitive health.’

The team claim that the findings highlight the importance of finding accessible, low-cost strategies to delay or prevent dementia onset, especially as populations age and lifespans increase.

Ryan added: ‘With no cure currently available for dementia, the importance of finding enjoyable, everyday activities that may help maintain brain health is critical.’

While the study cannot prove that music directly prevents dementia, researchers say the consistent associations across thousands of participants make a compelling case for incorporating music into daily life.

Ms Jaffa said that the findings of the study ‘suggests music activities may be an accessible strategy for maintaining cognitive health in older adults, though causation cannot be established.’

The full study can be read here.