Music Engagement Linked to Reduced Dementia Risk in Older Adults

Strategic Insights -

A new study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry has found a significant association between music-related leisure activities and a reduced risk of dementia in older adults. The research, conducted by a team of scientists at Monash University, used data from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) study and the ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons (ALSOP) sub-study, involving 10,893 community-dwelling Australian adults aged 70 and older. The study's findings suggest that engaging in music-related activities, such as listening to music or playing an instrument, may have a protective effect against dementia and cognitive decline.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that always listening to music was associated with a 39% decreased risk of dementia (95% CI = 0.45,0.82, p = 0.001) and a 17% decreased risk of cognitive impairment no dementia (CIND) (95% CI = 0.74, 0.92, p = 0.001).
  • Playing an instrument (often/always) was associated with a 35% decreased dementia risk only (95% CI = 0.42,0.99, p = 0.047).
  • Participants who both listened to and played music had a 33% decreased dementia risk (95% CI = 0.51,0.89, p = 0.006) and a 22% decreased CIND risk (95% CI = 0.65,0.92, p = 0.004).
  • The study also found that always listening to music was associated with better global cognition and memory over time (p < 0.01).
  • The researchers concluded that music may be a promising strategy to reduce cognitive impairment and delay the onset of dementia in later life.

Statistics:

  • The study involved 10,893 community-dwelling Australian adults aged 70 and older.
  • The participants were part of the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) study and the ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons (ALSOP) sub-study.
  • The study found that 39% of participants who always listened to music had a decreased risk of dementia.
  • 35% of participants who played an instrument had a decreased risk of dementia.
  • The participants who both listened to and played music had a 33% decreased dementia risk.

Sources:

  • What Is the Association Between Music-Related Leisure Activities and Dementia Risk? A Cohort Study. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2025;40(10).
  • ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) study.
  • ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons (ALSOP) sub-study.
  • Monash University, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine.
  • International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, Wiley.