03/03/2026
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New research reveals that listening to music can slash dementia risk by 40%.
A landmark Monash University-led study involving more than 10,800 participants has discovered a powerful connection between music and cognitive preservation in seniors. Researchers found that consistently listening to music after age 70 is associated with a staggering 39 percent reduction in dementia risk. For those who play an instrument, the risk is lowered by 35 percent, indicating that both active and passive musical engagement can serve as a potent shield against brain decline.
Lead researchers Emma Jaffa and Professor Joanne Ryan emphasize that these findings offer a vital, accessible strategy for maintaining brain health in an aging global population. Beyond reducing dementia risk, regular musical engagement was linked to sharper episodic memory and improved overall cognition. As medicine continues to extend human lifespans, integrating music into daily life represents a simple yet transformative lifestyle choice that may delay the onset of neurodegenerative conditions where cures remain elusive.
source: Jaffa, E., & Ryan, J. (2025). What is the association between music-related leisure activities and dementia risk? A cohort study. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
