Listening to This May Significantly Reduce Dementia Risk, Study Finds
Engaging with music could offer more than just enjoyment — it may also help protect the brain against cognitive decline. A recent study conducted by researchers at Monash University in Australia suggests that older adults who regularly listen to or play music have a markedly lower risk of developing dementia.
Music and Brain Health
The October 2025 study, published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, analyzed data from over 10,800 adults aged 70 and older participating in the ASPREE (ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) and ALSOP(ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons) studies. Researchers examined participants’ engagement with music, including listening habits and playing instruments, and tracked cognitive outcomes over time.
Participants who reported always listening to music had a 39% lower risk of dementia and a 17% lower risk of cognitive impairment without dementia compared with those who rarely or never listened. Similarly, individuals who both listened to and played music showed a 33% reduction in dementia risk and a 22% reduction in cognitive impairment. Playing a musical instrument alone was associated with a 35% decreased risk of dementia.
How Music Impacts the Brain
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), music engages multiple brain regions involved in cognition, emotion, movement, and sensory processing. Listening or performing music triggers the release of neurotransmitters and hormones that support emotional well-being, memory, and social connection. Over time, these effects may help preserve brain structure and function.
The Monash University researchers noted that the benefits were particularly pronounced among individuals with more than 16 years of education, suggesting that cognitive reserve from lifelong learning may enhance the brain’s responsiveness to stimulating activities like music.
Limitations and Considerations
While these findings are promising, the authors caution that the study cannot confirm a direct cause-and-effect relationship between musical engagement and dementia prevention. Nevertheless, the research aligns with a growing body of evidence that lifestyle factors, including mentally stimulating activities, can influence brain health (NIH).
With no cure currently available for dementia, identifying ways to prevent or delay cognitive decline remains critical. The NIH projects that the number of new dementia cases worldwide could double from 514,000 in 2020 to 1 million by 2060 due to population aging (NIH Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet).
Takeaway
Regular engagement with music — whether through listening or playing an instrument — may offer measurable benefits for brain health in later life. While further research is needed to understand the mechanisms, music is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool for cognitive preservation, emotional well-being, and social connection.
Sources:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
- National Institutes of Health – Music and Healthy Brain Aging
- NIH Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet
- Monash University News
