Can Playing an Instrument Help Prevent Cognitive Decline

Music is part of the daily life of many people in the car at home while walking or simply in the background of life.
Most of the time we do not think about it too much and just enjoy its presence but it may deserve a much more respectful attitude.
In recent years various studies have shown that it has a positive effect on mood and cognitive processes and a large scale study published recently gives this significant support along with a very positive finding.

According to the findings regular engagement with music even in a simple form like daily listening or amateur playing is linked to a significant decrease in the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer in old age.
These findings join a series of international studies that try to understand how mental and creative activities affect brain health over time.
What did the new study findThe study conducted in Australia and published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry followed for years 10893 adults aged 70 and older all without dementia at the beginning of the study.

The participants were asked about their listening habits and about their involvement in activity related to playing even if it was only at an amateur level.
The main findings were daily listening to music was linked to a decrease of about thirty nine percent in the risk of developing dementia compared to those who hardly listen.
Playing a musical instrument even at a basic level was linked to a decrease of about thirty five percent in risk.
A combination of listening and playing was linked to a decrease of about thirty three percent in risk for dementia and twenty two percent for mild cognitive impairment.

Although this is an observational study that does not prove absolute causality the size of the sample and the consistency of follow up make the results especially meaningful.
Why musicEngaging with music playing or listening activates several areas in the brain those related to language motor planning memory auditory processing and even basic emotional responses.
This combination of activity may contribute to creating cognitive reserve meaning better resilience of the brain against degenerative processes.
In addition musical activity triggers attention learning fine motor activation and quick thinking all factors that have been found in various studies to reduce dementia risk.

Conclusions of the study advantages but also limitsThe researchers emphasize several points music is not a substitute for physical activity good nutrition or managing medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure all of which affect dementia risk in a significant and proven way.
It is possible that people who engaged with music were also more socially or culturally active a variable that can influence brain health and has been studied before.
The study was conducted on a specific population in Australia and there are many intervening variables therefore local studies are important.

Despite this the link found in the study is consistent and clear and the message is simple musical activity is an accessible safe and pleasant way to support the brain in old age.
Which musical activities may helpThe main message of the study is accessibility there is no need for professional playing or prior experience.
These activities were found helpful or reasonable for improving brain protection from a research perspective.

Daily listening to music you enjoy just choosing music you like and listening is enough.
Amateur playing piano guitar recorder or any home keyboard any playing that activates hands and brain together.
Singing singing activates breathing verbal memory and attention improves mood and often includes a social element.
Choir or music groups social activity itself may be a protective factor against cognitive decline.
Gradual learning of a new piece even a few minutes of practice a day activates diverse brain networks.