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Dementia

Music May Reduce Dementia Risk in Older Adults, Study Suggests

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A large-scale Australian-led study has discovered that engaging in musical activities later in life may significantly reduce the risk of dementia in individuals over 70 years old. The research, conducted by Monash University, analyzed data from over 10,800 participants in the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) study. The findings revealed that those who always listened to music had a 39 percent lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not. Additionally, participants who played a musical instrument experienced a 35 percent reduction in dementia risk.

Key Takeaways:

  • People aged over 70 who always listened to music had a 39 percent lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not.
  • Participants who played a musical instrument experienced a 35 percent reduction in dementia risk.
  • Regular music listening was associated with a 17 percent lower incidence of cognitive impairment.
  • Higher scores in overall cognition and episodic memory were observed in participants who always listened to music.
  • Playing a musical instrument, along with music listening, resulted in a 33 percent lower risk of dementia and a 22 percent lower rate of cognitive impairment.
  • The study used data from the ASPREE longitudinal study and the ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons sub-study.
  • Lead researcher Emma Jaffa emphasized that music activities may be an accessible strategy for maintaining cognitive health in older adults.
  • With no cure currently available for dementia, lifestyle-based interventions like music listening and playing may help prevent or delay the onset of the disease.

Statistics:

  • 10,800: Number of participants in the ASPREE study analyzed in the research.
  • 39 percent: Lower risk of developing dementia in individuals who always listened to music compared to those who did not.
  • 35 percent: Reduction in dementia risk among participants who played a musical instrument.
  • 17 percent: Lower incidence of cognitive impairment in individuals who regularly listened to music.
  • 33 percent: Lower risk of dementia among participants who engaged in both music listening and playing.
  • 22 percent: Lower rate of cognitive impairment in participants who engaged in both music listening and playing.

Sources:

  • Xinhua via COMTEX, "Listening to music later in life may reduce dementia risk, study finds" (October 30, 2025)
  • Monash University, "Music activity in older adults may reduce risk of dementia: study" (October 30, 2025)
  • International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, "Music activity in older adults may reduce risk of dementia: a prospective study"

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