Listening to music regularly in later life may help reduce the risk of dementia, according to new research from Australia.
The study, conducted by researchers at Monash University, examined data from more than 10,800 adults aged 70 and above. Participants who listened to music consistently were found to have a 39 percent lower likelihood of developing dementia compared with those who rarely or never engaged with music.
In addition to lower dementia rates, frequent music listeners demonstrated a 17 percent reduction in cognitive impairment, higher overall cognitive performance, and improved episodic memory, which is used to recall everyday events. Playing a musical instrument also showed protective effects, with a 35 percent reduction in dementia risk among those who regularly played music.
Individuals who both listened to and played music experienced a 33 percent lower risk of dementia and a 22 percent reduction in cognitive impairment. Emma Jaffa, one of the study’s authors, described the findings as encouraging. “Music activities may be an accessible strategy for maintaining cognitive health in older adults,” she said.
The research, however, is observational and cannot establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The authors highlighted several limitations, including reliance on participants’ self-reported music habits, potential selection bias, and the possibility that individuals with better cognitive health are more likely to engage with music. These factors mean the results should be interpreted with caution.
Future studies could explore whether specific genres or types of music provide greater cognitive benefits, the researchers noted.
The findings arrive amid a growing global concern over dementia, which currently affects more than 57 million people worldwide, including an estimated 9.8 million in Europe. Alzheimer’s Disease International reports that roughly 10 million new cases are diagnosed each year, equating to one new case every 3.2 seconds. The numbers are expected to rise as populations age.
Dementia, which encompasses conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, gradually impairs memory, thinking, and daily functioning. Current research focuses on both preventive measures and strategies to slow cognitive decline. Music, widely accessible and low-cost, could become a valuable tool for older adults seeking to maintain brain health.
The Monash University study adds to growing evidence suggesting that lifestyle activities, including cognitive engagement and social interaction, may play a role in reducing dementia risk. While more research is needed to confirm a direct link, regular music listening and playing instruments could offer older adults a simple and enjoyable way to support cognitive function over time.
