The Protective Power of Music: New Research Links Listening to Reduced Dementia Risk
the benefits of music are widely acknowledged, but emerging research suggests its impact extends to cognitive health, perhaps delaying the onset of dementia in older adults.It’s a phenomenon many have observed firsthand – elderly individuals losing memories yet retaining vivid recall of lyrics from songs that resonated with them in their youth.
This ability of deeply experienced moments, particularly those engaging our senses, to remain accessible for decades highlights the powerful way memories can be anchored within us. Maintaining an active mind and regularly revisiting past experiences is already considered a key strategy for preventing cognitive decline, and now a study from Monash University in Australia provides compelling evidence that music can significantly aid this process.
Published in October 2025,the research,conducted by Emma Jaffa and Professor Joanne ryan,tracked over 10,800 adults aged 70 and older. The findings revealed a striking correlation: regular music listening was associated with a 39% reduction in the risk of dementia. Participants who habitually incorporated music into their daily routines also demonstrated improved scores in global cognition and memory assessments.
The study also investigated the impact of playing an instrument. While practicing music correlated with a 35% lower risk of dementia, it didn’t demonstrably improve cognitive test scores. The most notable benefits were observed in individuals who both listened to and played music, experiencing a 33% reduced risk of dementia and a 22% decrease in cognitive impairment not specifically linked to dementia.
interestingly, the positive effects were more pronounced in individuals with 16 or more years of formal education.The study also noted that these musical habits didn’t appear to influence participants’ self-perception of their cognitive health.
While the research establishes a correlation rather than definitive causation, the consistent positive results associated with music are compelling. Regardless of its direct impact on dementia risk, encouraging older adults to engage with their favorite music offers significant benefits.
Ultimately, music enriches life, and this research suggests it may also contribute to a longer, more vibrant one. The enduring connection between cherished memories and the songs we love is a testament to the power of art,preserving both our personal histories and the art itself.
