Listening to your favorite songs or playing an instrument might do more than make you smile — it could help protect your brain. A new study from Monash University in Australia found that adults over 70 who regularly listened to or played music were less likely to develop dementia. Listening to music lowered the risk by 39%, and playing an instrument lowered it by 35%. People who did both had the best results, showing stronger memory and better brain function.
Researchers followed more than 10,000 older adults for several years, studying how music habits affected brain health. The study, published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, found that music may help slow memory loss and keep the brain active with age. While the research doesn’t prove that music directly prevents dementia, it supports the idea that staying mentally and socially active — through music, art, or reading — helps protect the mind.
Experts say music does more than stimulate the brain. It also lifts mood and strengthens social connections, which are key for mental health. The message is simple: keep your mind active and your heart engaged. Whether you’re playing an instrument or humming along to your favorite tune, music might help your brain stay sharp for years to come.
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