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Music may help keep aging brains sharp, study finds

This could be good news for a generation that grew up listening to tunes

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Mark Huffman
Reporter

Mark Huffman has covered consumer issues since 2004, with a special focus on protecting and empowering older adults. A former news correspondent for the Associated Press Radio Network, Westwood One, and ConsumerAffairs, Mark brings decades of journalistic experience to RetirementLiving.com. He is passionate about giving consumers a voice and helping them make informed decisions. Mark has also created educational content, including Senior Scam Alert, a video resource designed to help seniors recognize and avoid fraud. He holds a B.A. from the University of Kentucky and lives with his family in Richmond, Virginia.
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Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Key Insights

  • Listening to music regularly can lower dementia risk by nearly 40% in older adults.
  • Playing an instrument may reduce dementia risk by about 35%.
  • Combining music listening and playing offers added protection for cognitive health.

Baby boomers loved their music in their youth, from Marvin Gaye to the Beatles. A new study suggests boomers should continue to embrace their favorite tunes.

A new study led by researchers at Monash University has found that older adults who regularly listen to music enjoy significant protection against dementia, with up to a 39% lower risk compared to those who rarely tune in. The research, published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, analyzed data from more than 10,800 participants aged 70 and older in the ASPREE and ALSOP studies.

The study, led by honors student Emma Jaffa and Professor Joanne Ryan, revealed that those who “always” listened to music had the greatest reduction in dementia risk, along with a 17% lower incidence of cognitive impairment. 

These participants also performed better in overall cognition and episodic memory, which helps people recall everyday events and experiences.

Playing an instrument provided similar benefits, with a 35% lower risk of dementia. Even better, seniors who both listened to and played music regularly saw a 33% lower risk of dementia and a 22% lower risk of cognitive impairment.

Why it matters

As the global population ages, dementia has become a growing public health concern. While advances in medicine and technology have extended life expectancy, age-related conditions such as cognitive decline are also on the rise. With no current cure for dementia, preventive strategies are increasingly vital.

“This study suggests music activities may be an accessible strategy for maintaining cognitive health in older adults,” said Jaffa. “Though causation cannot be established, the link between music and brain health is compelling.”

Ryan added that brain aging isn’t determined by age or genetics alone. “Our study suggests that lifestyle-based interventions, such as listening to or playing music, can promote cognitive health,” she said.

For seniors looking for an easy, enjoyable way to support brain health, the message is clear: keep the music playing. Whether it’s singing along to favorite tunes, strumming a guitar, or simply relaxing to classical pieces, engaging with music could help preserve memory and mental clarity well into later life.