Most people enjoy music. While individuals’ tastes may vary widely, music can provide an outlet, opportunity for personal expression, and can even help to change one’s mood in some circumstances. Music can lift one’s spirits when they’re feeling down, help energize someone who is feeling tired, and help a stressed individual to feel more relaxed.
New research by Monash University suggests that listening to music may have another benefit: it could help to fight against dementia and other cognitive decline as people age.1
A study of 10,800 older people found that those who regularly listened to music had a 39 percent lower chance of developing dementia. The study also found that adults over the age of 70 were most affected by a daily habit of listening to music. Individuals who were 70 or older and played musical instruments also experienced better cognitive outcomes, the study reported.
With an increasing number of older individuals in the US, this is good news. It might be just the boost needed for an individual to pull out that guitar, harmonica, or CD player and lose themselves in music while simultaneously promoting brain health.
Reference:
1 Monash University. “Daily music listening linked to big drop in dementia risk.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 17 November 2025 <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251116105633.htm>.
