How Music Reduces Dementia Risk in Adults Over 70% | Research on music and Dementia Prevention

A large longitudinal study found that adults aged 70 and over who regularly listen to music have a remarkably lower risk of developing dementia. Specifically, those who always listened to music showed about a 39% reduction in dementia risk compared to those who rarely or never did. At the same time, participants who regularly played a musical instrument had around a 35% lower risk, and a combination of both listening and playing was associated with about a 33% lower risk of dementia. Alongside reduced dementia risk, the same study reported improvements in everyday memory and overall cognitive performance.

Researchers suggest that music may protect brain health by engaging multiple areas involved in memory, attention, emotion, and sensory processing. Regular music engagement might therefore strengthen neural networks and build what is called “cognitive reserve,” helping the brain compensate for age-related changes. Since music is broadly accessible, enjoyable, and low risk, it presents a practical strategy for older adults looking to support brain health through lifestyle.

Although the study is observational and cannot prove causation, the findings are compelling: such a simple habit as listening to music hours a day may serve as a potent tool for mitigating dementia risk in aging adults. Implementing consistent music listening—or better yet combining it with playing an instrument—could become part of a broader approach to healthy brain ageing.

Research Paper

DOI: 10.1002/gps.70163