The IJGP journal noted that a study conducted by scientists showed that regularly listening to music in old age can combat dementia and significantly slow the rate of cognitive decline.
During the study, scientists analyzed data from more than 10,800 people over the age of 70, studying their health, cognitive abilities, and daily habits, such as listening to music. The results showed that people who listened to music regularly had a 39% lower risk of developing dementia and a 17% lower risk of cognitive impairment. Playing musical instruments also had a significant impact on mental health, reducing the risk of dementia by 35%. People who combined listening to music with playing musical instruments had the best results, with a 33% lower risk.
The researchers noted that a causal relationship between listening to music and mental health has yet to be conclusively proven, but they emphasized that music could be an easy and accessible strategy to support brain health in old age. This is important given the increasing rates of aging worldwide and the increasing number of people suffering from age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
Given the lack of effective treatments for dementia, researchers have called for increased attention to non-drug methods for maintaining cognitive health, such as listening to music, mental activity, social connections, and regular physical activity.
