Engaging in music-related activities such as playing instruments and reading sheet music may contribute to maintaining good memory and cognitive function, according to a study conducted by scientists at the University of Exeter. Published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, the research suggests that incorporating music into one's lifestyle could be beneficial for brain health.
Over 1,100 individuals aged 40 and above, with an average age of 68, participated in the study. The researchers, part of a broader investigation into aging and dementia, examined brain function data, focusing on activities like playing instruments, singing, reading music, and listening to music.
The results indicated that individuals who played musical instruments experienced the most significant cognitive benefits, possibly due to the "multiple cognitive demands" associated with the activity. Playing the piano or keyboard showed notable advantages, while brass and woodwind instruments also had positive effects. Surprisingly, simply listening to music did not exhibit the same cognitive health benefits.
Singing, however, demonstrated benefits, potentially linked to the social aspects of participating in a choir or group.
Lead author Prof Anne Corbett highlighted the significance of the study's sensitive brain tests, enabling a closer look at specific aspects of brain function, such as short-term memory, long-term memory, and problem-solving.
The study found that regular readers of music exhibited improved numerical memory. Prof Corbett emphasized that the brain is a muscle that requires exercise, likening learning to read music to acquiring a new language.
While the study did not explore the potential benefits of taking up music later in life, Prof Corbett suggested, based on existing evidence, that it could be very beneficial.
Promoting musical education could be a valuable element of a public health message, according to Prof Corbett. Encouraging older adults to reconnect with music in their later years might also contribute to improving brain health. However, she cautioned that taking up a musical instrument does not guarantee immunity from dementia, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to reducing cognitive decline risks.
Dementia UK responded positively to the results, noting that music-making or playing can endure even when other abilities decline. Stuart Douglas, an accordion player since the age of eight, attested to the brain-boosting effects of music, emphasizing its positive impact on individuals with memory loss.
In conclusion, the study suggests that incorporating music, especially playing instruments, into daily life could play a role in enhancing brain health and cognitive abilities as individuals age.