As I approach 70, I figure I’ve got a pretty good shot at getting through this life with my mental faculties intact.
There are two reasons I say this.
First, my mom was sharp as a tack until she left us at almost 101.
Second, music has always been a vital part of my life. I depend on my playlist to help my mood, get work done and relax.
If music is part of your daily life as well, I have some good news for you.
And if not, I’ll tell you how you can get more of this “medicine” in your life.
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Playing and listening to music cuts dementia risk almost 40%
A study at Monash University in Australia has linked listening to music on a regular basis with a 39% lower incidence of dementia and a 17% lower incidence of its predecessor, mild cognitive impairment.
The finding was based on data from 10,893 Australians aged 70 or older, who were living in retirement communities and had no diagnosis of dementia. They were asked about their music listening habits and whether they played an instrument.
Here’s how things played out:
- Always listening to music, as compared with never, rarely, or even sometimes, was associated with a 39% decreased risk of dementia.
- Playing an instrument was associated with a 35% reduction in dementia risk.
- People who both listened to and played music had a 33% reduced risk of dementia and a 22% reduced risk of unrelated cognitive impairments.
Education level seemed to play a role as well.
“Music engagement benefits were strongest in those with higher education (16+ years) but showed inconsistent results in the middle education group (12–15 years),” say the study authors.
Although the study could not establish a causal relationship between music and reduced dementia risk, the authors noted that engaging with music stimulates multiple brain regions and supports processes such as memory, emotion, and attention, which may help preserve cognitive function as we age.
Not bad for a simple, lifestyle-based intervention for brain health in aging.
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How to get your dose of music
Making music an integral part of your daily life could be an inexpensive and fun way to preserve your cognitive health.
Here are some tips for getting the most cognitive benefit from your listening experience…
Create playlists for different moods. For example, I’ve used a streaming service to create a “Feel good” playlist, an “easy listening” playlist, and a “Sleep” playlist.
Listen without distraction. Set aside time to actually listen to an album from beginning to end.
Explore new genres. Make it a point to listen to music outside your usual preferences to broaden your tastes and expand your brain’s connections.
Add music to your routines. Keep music on while cleaning or cooking.
Attend live performances. Experience the energy of live music by going to local concerts or festivals.
Make music. Join a community chorus or try playing an instrument, even a simple one. Keep it handy.
Create a music “bucket list.” Make a list of musical goals, such as learning a new genre or attending a specific concert.
Learn an instrument. Take lessons or find a teacher to help you learn an instrument faster.
Sources:
Listening to Music After 70 May Cut Dementia Risk by Nearly 40% — Neuroscience News
What Is the Association Between Music-Related Leisure Activities and Dementia Risk? A Cohort Study — International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
Listening to Music Has a Surprising Impact on Dementia Risk, Study Shows — Science Alert
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