Daily music shown to aid cognitive health in older adults

According to a new study, an individual can decrease their risk of dementia with a simple habit most of us enjoy every single day.

The study, led by Victoria’s Monash University, observed the listening habits of 10,800 people over the age of 70 and found that people who regularly listened to music showed a 39 per cent lower risk of dementia than those who didn’t.

Further, the researchers saw a 17 per cent lower incidence of cognitive decline, which affects memory reasoning and problem-solving skills.

They also witnessed higher scores for the participants recalling everyday events.

So, dementia prevention could be as simple as switching on the radio. But it’s not just listening to music that seemed to help decrease risk.

Participants who played a musical instrument were seen to have a 35 per cent decrease in dementia risk.

And for those who did both, the study noted a 33 per cent decreased possibility of dementia, and a 22 per cent reduction in cognitive impairment.

“With no cure currently available for dementia, the importance of identifying strategies to help prevent or delay onset of the disease is critical,” study senior author Professor Joanne Ryan said.

“Evidence suggests that brain ageing is not just based on age and genetics but can be influenced by one's own environmental and lifestyle choices. Our study suggests that lifestyle-based interventions, such as listening and/or playing music can promote cognitive health.”

As 45 per cent of dementia cases are preventable, study lead Emma Jaffa said the study suggests “music activities may be an accessible strategy for maintaining cognitive health in older adults, though causation cannot be established.”

Diet, exercise, socialisation and other health factors are all important considerations for someone looking to maintain brain health.

When it comes to diet, eating well is a great step towards dementia prevention, with the Mediterranean or DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) among the diets recommended.

These diets are also linked to lower LDL cholesterol and lower risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Protecting your hearing is another way to reduce dementia risk, so avoiding loud noise, wearing hearing protection and having your hearing tested regularly will help.

Equally, looking after your eyesight and wearing your glasses or contacts as prescribed to stop strain on the brain.

Monitoring alcohol intake and quitting smoking are also beneficial.

Meanwhile, staying physically active and getting proper sleep are essential.

And if you’re also listening to music everyday, you’re well on the way to dementia prevention.