Music may reduce the risk of dementia in older adults

Participating in musical activities in older adults can significantly reduce the risk of dementia, a large-scale study led by Australian scientists has found.

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The results of a study led by Monash University and just published suggest simple and accessible lifestyle interventions to protect cognitive health.

The study, which involved more than 10,800 older adults, found a strong link between exposure to music and brain health. Specifically, people over 70 who regularly listened to music had a 39% lower risk of dementia than those who rarely or never listened to music. Playing a musical instrument was also associated with a 35% lower risk of dementia. Meanwhile, those who regularly listened to music and played an instrument had the greatest protection, with a 33% lower risk of dementia and a 22% lower rate of cognitive decline.

Additionally, the group of people who regularly listened to music also recorded a 17% lower rate of cognitive decline and scored higher on tests of overall cognition as well as episodic memory - the type of memory that helps remember events in daily life.

Professor Joanne Ryan, co-author and lead researcher, stressed that brain aging is not just a function of age or genetics, but is also heavily influenced by environment and lifestyle. There is currently no cure for dementia, so lifestyle interventions – such as listening to or playing music – could help maintain cognitive health and help prevent or delay the onset of the disease.

However, lead researcher Emma Jaffa from Monash University said more research was needed to confirm music's direct link to mental health.

According to VNA

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/am-nhac-co-the-lam-giam-nguy-co-sa-sut-tri-tue-o-nguoi-cao-tuoi-525208.html