Cornwall, United Kingdom – As the number of people living with dementia continues to rise, scientists are exploring new ways to prevent or delay it. A recent study led by researchers from the University of Exeter in the UK suggests that playing a musical instrument could be a potential approach worth considering.
The study analyzed data on 1,107 individuals over the age of 40 who did not have a dementia diagnosis. The researchers looked at the participants’ cognitive ability in relation to their musical activities, such as playing a musical instrument or singing in a choir, as well as their music listening habits.
The results showed that those who played a musical instrument demonstrated significantly better performance in working memory and executive function. There were also associations between singing and executive function, as well as overall musical ability and working memory. However, there was no equivalent improvement based on music listening habits.
According to Anne Corbett, a cognitive psychologist from the University of Exeter, “the findings suggest that being musical could be a way of harnessing the brain’s agility and resilience, known as cognitive reserve.” This cognitive reserve is believed to act as a buffer against the effects of aging and may make individuals less susceptible to diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
While the study revealed strong links between playing a musical instrument and improved brain performance, it did not prove cause and effect. It is important to consider other factors that may be at play, such as income and lifestyle choices.
Despite the need for further research, the study’s findings indicate that promoting musical education could be a valuable part of public health initiatives to promote a protective lifestyle for brain health. Encouraging older adults to engage in music later in life may also have beneficial effects.
The study also found that the cognitive boost from playing a musical instrument was highest when it came to playing the keyboard. Furthermore, continued engagement in musical activities in later life led to increased benefits.
One participant in the study, 78-year-old Stuart Douglas from Cornwall, UK, who plays the accordion in a band, supported the idea that regularly playing an instrument can keep the mind sharp in later life. Douglas emphasized that music has played an important role in keeping his brain healthy as he has aged.
The research has been published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the potential cognitive benefits of playing a musical instrument, particularly in older adults.