Listening to Music May Cut Dementia Risk by 40%, New Study Finds

A new study shows that listening to or playing music can reduce the risk of dementia by nearly 40% among adults over 70.

A new study has found that listening to or playing music can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia among older adults. Researchers reported that people over 70 who regularly engage with music are nearly 40% less likely to experience cognitive decline.

The research, published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, followed more than 10,000 adults over several years to evaluate how musical engagement affects brain health.

Professor Joanne Ryan of Monash University, who led the study, said that with no cure for dementia currently available, identifying alternative strategies to prevent or delay its onset is crucial.

The study found that both listening to and playing music together provide an even stronger protective effect, helping to preserve memory and cognitive flexibility in later life.

Researchers also observed improvements in “episodic memory,” the type of memory responsible for recalling everyday events, suggesting that music supports both emotional and neurological stimulation.

According to the World Health Organization, dementia affects about 57 million people globally, with cases expected to rise sharply in coming decades.

The findings reinforce growing scientific evidence that creative and mentally engaging activities—such as music, art, and reading—can play a vital role in maintaining cognitive health in aging populations.