Music Listening and Playing May Reduce Dementia Risk by 39 Percent

A recent Australian-led study of over 10,800 older individuals found that engaging in music activities can significantly lower the risk of dementia. The research showed that people aged 70 and above who regularly listened to music had a 39 percent lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who never, rarely, or sometimes listened to music. This association was also observed in individuals who played a musical instrument, with a 35 percent reduction in dementia risk. Notably, those engaging in both music listening and playing had a 33 percent lower risk of dementia.

Key Takeaways:

• Regular music listening was associated with a 39 percent lower risk of dementia in individuals aged 70 and above.
• Playing a musical instrument was associated with a 35 percent reduction in dementia risk.
• Participants who engaged in both music listening and playing had a 33 percent lower risk of dementia.
• Regular music listening and playing were also linked to a 17 percent lower incidence of cognitive impairment and higher scores in overall cognition and episodic memory.
• The study used data from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) study, a landmark research project investigating the effects of low-dose aspirin on health outcomes in older adults.
• Lead researcher Emma Jaffa from Monash University noted that while the findings suggest music activities may be beneficial for cognitive health, causation cannot be established.

Statistics:

• 10,800: The number of older individuals included in the study.
• 39 percent: The reduction in dementia risk associated with regular music listening.
• 35 percent: The reduction in dementia risk associated with playing a musical instrument.
• 33 percent: The reduction in dementia risk associated with engaging in both music listening and playing.
• 17 percent: The lower incidence of cognitive impairment associated with regular music listening and playing.

Sources:

• "Listening to or playing music linked to reduced risk of dementia" (Monash University, October 30).
• ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) study (published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry).