Now, you have even more reason to keep playing “Baby’s Got Back” on loop well into your 70s, 80s, and 90s. That’s because fellas (yeah), fellas (yeah) and ladies (yeah), ladies (yeah) — a new analysis recently published in the *International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry* found that those over 70 years of age who always listened to music had a 39% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who never, rarely, or only sometimes did.
And playas — meaning those who played a musical instrument — had a 35% lower risk of dementia than those who didn’t.
### Both Listening To and Playing Music Associated with Lower Dementia Risk
The analysis was conducted by a research team from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia (Emma Jaffa, Zimu Wu, Alice Owen, Aung Azw Zaw Phyo, Robyn L. Woods, Suzanne G. Orchard, Trevor T.-J. Chong, and Joanne Ryan), as well as Rush University (Raj C. Shah) and Hennepin Health (Anne Murray) in the U.S.
The team looked at data from 10,893 older Australians participating in the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) study and the ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons (ALSOP) sub-study.
While this study didn’t specifically ask participants whether they listened to that Sir Mix-a-Lot hit, it did inquire about their general music listening and playing habits.
### Additional Findings
Here are some other noteworthy results, though not necessarily groundbreaking:
– Those who always listened to music had a 17% lower rate of cognitive impairment, along with better scores in overall cognition and the ability to recall everyday events.
– Participants who both listened to and played music regularly exhibited 33% and 22% decreased likelihoods of dementia and cognitive impairment, respectively.
### Limitations of the Music and Dementia Study
Of course, such a study can only show possible associations and cannot demonstrate cause-and-effect.
For example, just because those who listen to Rosé’s “APT” regularly might tend to be younger than those who listen to the Andrew Sisters’ “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” it doesn’t mean that lyrics like “Kissy face, kissy face sent to your phone, but I’m tryna kiss your lips for real” will reverse your aging.
It could be that those who regularly listen to or play music do so because they currently have less cognitive impairment. Or perhaps they are more likely to have other factors such as regular social interactions and better healthcare that could positively affect their brain health.
Additionally, the analyses didn’t track changes within individuals over time — such as how their musical habits or cognitive abilities evolved with age. Understanding these longitudinal changes would offer better insight into what’s really happening.
Finally, the study’s data relied heavily on self-reported information. Individuals may not accurately remember how often they listened to music. For example, do background sounds like elevator music or movie scores count? What about passive listening, such as hearing music nearby? Impaired cognition can make such recall even more challenging.
### How Music May Help Protect Against Dementia
Still, as alluded to earlier in the New Radicals’ allusion, these results shouldn’t be too surprising.
Brain scans have revealed that hearing music can stimulate different areas of the brain. After all, how can you hear, “Come on, Barbie, let’s go party,” and not wonder where and how Barbie is going to party?
Moreover, while scientists have not yet found a cure for many types of dementia, evidence suggests that actively using the brain may prevent or slow cognitive decline. Your brain is like many other parts of your body—it’s a “use it or lose it” situation.
Brain stimulation isn’t just about the bass, though. Even if you don’t listen to or play music, you have plenty of other options to keep your mind active. Challenges like playing word games, learning new skills, or considering other points of view can help.
Socializing with diverse groups of people may also be beneficial.
### Encouragement for You and Your Loved Ones
The results of this study offer encouragement that you and your loved ones can take proactive steps to combat cognitive decline and dementia.
Previous Forbes articles have covered studies linking physical activity, diet, and other lifestyle factors to brain health.
Recently, I spoke with Academy Award-winning actress Julianne Moore about the “Brain Health Matters” campaign, which encourages everyone to take steps to reduce the risk of brain health issues like dementia from Alzheimer’s Disease and other causes.
### Could the Type of Music Matter?
One more thing: it would be interesting to see (or hear) whether the type of music influences dementia risk.
One might think that a greater variety of music could stimulate your brain in more diverse ways. After all, Pachelbel’s “Canon” may evoke different thoughts and feelings than Hanson’s “mmmBop.”
So maybe it’s time to mix-a-lot your song selections and keep your brain dancing along the way!
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/finance/listening-to-music-linked-to-39-lower-dementia-risk-new-study-says/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=listening-to-music-linked-to-39-lower-dementia-risk-new-study-says
