The study included more than 10 thousand people over the age of 70 who were not diagnosed with dementia at that time.
Participants who regularly listened to music were 39% less likely to develop dementia and 17% less likely to have milder cognitive impairment. Those who regularly played a musical instrument also had a 35% lower risk of dementia, but there was no significant improvement in other cognitive impairments.
Australians who both listened to and played music had a 33% lower risk of dementia and a 22% lower risk of other cognitive impairment.
The study authors noted that the benefits of musical activity were strongest among people with college degrees. They also noted that a cause-and-effect relationship has not been clearly established, but music may be an affordable way to support cognitive health in older adults.
Neuropsychiatrists added that listening to music activates multiple areas of the brain, providing cognitive stimulation, and regular use of hearing aids helps reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
