How Music May Help Protect Your Brain

Music is more than just background noise. A recent study in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry looked at over 10,000 older adults and found that people who regularly listen to music had a lower risk of developing dementia and certain memory problems. The researchers suggest that music could be one simple, low‑cost way to support brain health as we age.

Major Conclusion of This Research Study

The findings from this study suggest that regular engagement in music-related activities, particularly listening to music and playing instruments, is associated with substantial reductions in the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment in older adults. The 39% decreased risk of dementia related to always listening to music and the 35% decreased risk associated with often/always playing an instrument represent clinically meaningful protective associations.

Details of What the Study Found

The study followed community-dwelling adults in Australia aged 70 or older who did not have dementia at the start. Participants self-reported how often they listened to music or played an instrument, and the researchers tracked their thinking skills and whether they developed dementia over time. Here are some key findings:

• Older adults who said they “always” listened to music had a much lower risk of developing dementia than those who listened rarely or only sometimes. Based on the study methodology, "always listening" to music represents the highest frequency category on a 5-point scale used to assess leisure activity participation. The frequency categories were: never, rarely, sometimes, often, or always. The comparison group in the primary analysis combined "never/rarely/sometimes" into a single reference category, contrasting it against "always" listening.

• Frequent music listeners also had a lower risk of milder memory and thinking problems, sometimes called “cognitive impairment no dementia.”

• People who often or always played a musical instrument also had a lower risk of dementia, although the link with milder problems was not as clear.

• Those who both listened to and played music regularly had some of the strongest protection, with lower rates of dementia and milder cognitive problems.

• Regular music listening was linked to better scores over time on tests of overall thinking and memory, even after accounting for age, sex, and education.

• The benefits seemed especially strong for people with more years of education, but positive patterns were seen in other education groups as well. The authors noted that the study cannot prove that music directly prevents dementia. Still, it adds to growing evidence that music activities may help delay or reduce cognitive problems in later life.

Easy Ways to Add More Music to Your Day

The good news is that you do not have to be a trained musician to benefit. Simply listening to music you enjoy may support brain health over time. Here are some practical, friendly ideas:

·        Build a daily music time: Choose one regular time each day—during breakfast, while cooking, or before bed

—to play a favorite album, playlist, or radio station.

• Move with the music: Gently tap your feet, sway, or do simple stretches in your chair while you listen, so you get both brain and body activity at once. At BrainSavers we call this Thinking and Moving.

• Sing along: Singing can engage breathing, memory, and mood, even if it is just humming along to a song you love.

• Make “memory playlists”: Create playlists that remind you of different life stages—childhood, young adulthood, or special events—to spark positive memories and conversation.

• Try something new: Explore a new style of music or an artist you have never heard before to challenge your brain in a fun way.

• Share music with others: Listen with a partner, family member, or friend and talk about the songs—what you like, what you remember, and how they make you feel.

• Consider learning to play a simple instrument: If you are interested, try something approachable like a hand drum, keyboard, or online beginner class, keeping it fun and low-pressure.

Critically important

Hearing loss is now recognized as a major risk factor for cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.  Have your hearing tested every year. If you need hearing aids, get them and use them.

A Few Gentle Reminders

This study suggests that music is a promising tool for brain health, but it is not a cure or a guarantee of avoiding dementia. Music works best as part of a larger healthy lifestyle that includes the six foundational pillars of BrainSavers: physical exercise, healthy nutrition, cognitive exercise, socialization, restful sleep, and lower stress.​ Still, adding more music to life is enjoyable, affordable, and easy to start at any age. Press “play” on a favorite song today and think of it as one small, but important step toward caring for your brain and your well-being.