A groundbreaking study conducted by UK researchers suggests that playing a musical instrument or engaging in singing activities can significantly contribute to maintaining a healthy brain in older age. Published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, the study emphasizes the positive impact of practicing and reading music on memory retention and problem-solving abilities.
The University of Exeter scientists, as part of a comprehensive investigation into aging brains and dementia development, examined data from over 1,100 individuals aged 40 and above, with an average age of 68. Their research explored the effects of various musical activities, including playing instruments, singing, reading music, and listening to music, while assessing musical ability.
The cognitive data comparison between individuals who incorporated music into their lives and those who did not revealed that playing musical instruments yielded the most significant benefits. Activities like playing the piano or keyboard were particularly advantageous, with brass and woodwind instruments also proving beneficial. Interestingly, simply listening to music did not exhibit the same cognitive health advantages.
The study noted that singing’s benefits might be attributed, in part, to the social aspects of participating in a choir or group. Lead author Prof Anne Corbett emphasized the study’s ability to analyze specific aspects of brain function, such as short-term memory, long-term memory, and problem-solving.
Prof Corbett stated, “Certainly, this confirms and cements on a much larger scale what we already know about the benefits of music. Specifically, playing an instrument has a particularly big effect, and people who continue to play into an older age saw an additional benefit.”
The findings also highlighted that individuals who regularly read music demonstrated better numerical memory. Prof Corbett likened learning to read music to exercising the brain, stating, “Our brain is a muscle like anything else, and it needs to be exercised.”
While the study did not explore the potential benefits of taking up a musical hobby later in life, Prof Corbett expressed belief, based on current evidence, that it would be “very beneficial.” She suggested that promoting musical education could be a valuable component of a public health message, emphasizing a proactive approach to reducing the risk of cognitive decline or dementia.
However, Prof Corbett cautioned against oversimplification, noting that taking up a musical instrument does not guarantee immunity against dementia. Dementia UK acknowledged the study’s positive results, highlighting the continued benefits of making or playing music for individuals living with dementia.
Stuart Douglas, a dedicated accordion player at the age of 78, attested to the brain-boosting effects of music, emphasizing its role in keeping his mind “active” and contributing to the well-being of others.
