Music, a shield against dementia

Music, whether listened to or played on an instrument, could become one of the simplest and most accessible methods of protecting the brain in old age, according to a large study conducted in Australia. The research, coordinated by Monash University in Melbourne and published in the prestigious journal International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, shows that people who listen to music frequently have a 39% lower risk of developing dementia. The study, conducted on a sample of over 10,800 people over the age of 70, analyzed the participants' musical habits and the evolution of their cognitive functions over several years. The results were convincing: those who listened to music constantly were 17% less likely to suffer from cognitive disorders and obtained higher scores on episodic memory tests, the ability that allows us to remember daily events. Playing a musical instrument was also associated with a 35% lower risk of dementia, and participants who both listened to and performed music regularly had a 33% lower risk of dementia and a 22% lower rate of cognitive decline.

"Musical activities may be an accessible and enjoyable strategy for maintaining cognitive health in older people, although we cannot yet speak of a direct causal relationship,” explained Emma Jaffa, a researcher at Monash University and co-author of the study. The study was based on data from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) research project - one of the largest investigations into the health of the elderly - and the ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons sub-study, which tracks the link between lifestyle and brain aging.

• Aging is not just a matter of age

"Brain aging is not just a matter of age and genetics, but can also be influenced by our own choices - the environment we live in, the activities we do and our daily habits,” said Professor Joanne Ryan, the lead researcher on the study. According to her, while there is no cure for dementia, lifestyle interventions such as music, cognitive exercises and social activity can slow cognitive decline and delay the onset of symptoms.

Dementia affects more than 55 million people worldwide, and the World Health Organization estimates that the number of cases will triple by 2050. In this context, specialists emphasize the importance of prevention strategies and non-pharmacological interventions.

"Music has the unique ability to simultaneously stimulate multiple areas of the brain - memory, emotion, attention, movement. We may not be able to stop time, but we can sing against it,” says Professor Joanne Ryan. In addition to its beneficial effects on the brain, listening to music also has a positive impact on emotional health. Previous studies have shown that music reduces stress, regulates blood pressure, improves sleep quality and increases social connections - all important factors in maintaining a healthy mind.