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According to researchers, listening to music throughout one’s life is linked to improved memory and cognitive abilities in older adults.
Researchers from the University of Exeter analyzed information from over 1,000 participants over the age of 40 who were involved in the Protect study, which seeks to gain insight into the aging process of the brain.
The researchers evaluated the participants’ level of musical experience, including playing an instrument or singing in a choir.
The team also studied the well-being of their brains, specifically the cognitive abilities involved in organizing, concentrating, retaining information, and managing multiple tasks, also known as executive function.
The study discovered that playing a musical instrument, especially the piano, is linked to better memory and executive function.
Participating in singing has also been associated with improved brain health, though the researchers noted that social aspects of being part of a group may also contribute to this.
Professor Anne Corbett, who specializes in researching dementia at the University of Exeter, stated: “Numerous studies have examined the impact of music on brain function.”
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Our Protect study has provided us with a rare chance to examine the correlation between cognitive ability and music in a substantial group of elderly individuals.
In general, we believe that having a musical inclination may help to utilize the brain’s ability to adapt and rebound, also known as cognitive reserve.
While further studies are necessary to explore this correlation, our results suggest that advocating for music education could be a beneficial aspect of public health initiatives aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle for brain health. Additionally, encouraging older individuals to re-engage with music later in life could also be beneficial.
There is substantial proof that participating in musical group activities can be beneficial for people with dementia. This method could also be included in a wellness program for older adults to help them actively decrease their risk and enhance brain health.
In response to the research, Caroline Scates, Deputy Director of Admiral Nurse Development at Dementia UK, stated that the findings are encouraging and align with previous studies on the positive effects of music for those with dementia, whether it be listening or actively playing.
“Music can provide a valuable form of communication for people living with dementia, including listening to music that the person may have a connection with even in the later stages of the condition.
Even when individuals with dementia have lost other skills and ways of communicating, the ability to create or perform music, whether through singing or playing an instrument, can still persist.
“If you have a loved one with dementia who has a passion for singing or playing an instrument, it can be helpful to keep these items readily available for them to use.”
Source: independent.co.uk
