Listening to music in old age slows cognitive aging.
Regularly listening to music in old age can significantly slow cognitive aging. This conclusion was reached by researchers from Monash University after analyzing data from more than 10,800 people over the age of 70. The results of the study were published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry (IJGP).
The scientists compared the musical habits of the participants with their cognitive health status. Those who regularly listened to music had a 39 percent lower risk of developing dementia and 17 percent fewer cognitive impairments. Playing musical instruments also showed a significant effect: the reduction in the risk of developing dementia was 35 percent. The best results were observed in those who combined listening and playing, with a 33 percent decrease in risks.
The authors note that a causal relationship has not yet been proven; however, music could become an accessible strategy for supporting the brain in older age. This is especially important against the backdrop of the global trend of an aging population and the increasing number of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Given the lack of effective treatments for dementia, experts urge more attention to be paid to non-pharmacological methods of maintaining cognitive health, such as music, mental activity, social connections, and regular physical exercise.
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