In a significant advance for the field of dementia prevention, a compelling new study has emerged from Australia, offering robust evidence that engaging with music may be far more than just enjoyable—it could serve as a protective shield against cognitive decline in older adults.

Published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, this research stands out for its scale and rigour, examining how habitual music listening and instrument playing influence the risk of developing dementia in people aged seventy and above.

The global population is ageing rapidly, and with longer lifespans come increasing rates of dementia and related disorders. Current medical science has no cure for dementia; instead, the focus is shifting towards identifying lifestyle choices that may help stave off or slow the condition’s onset.

Music has long been a candidate for such investigation, but previous studies often fell short due to small sample sizes, selection bias or inclusion of individuals already experiencing cognitive difficulties. This latest research sought to address these gaps decisively.

Drawing upon data from the ASPREE project (ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) and its sub-study, researchers accessed responses from nearly 11,000 participants. These individuals, all living independently and free from dementia at the study’s outset, provided a unique window into how musical engagement might impact cognitive health over time. The average participant was tracked for just under five years, allowing for a meaningful assessment of long-term effects.

Three years into the study, participants were asked about their social habits. Specifically, they indicated how often they listened to music or played an instrument, ranging from “never” to “always.” The scientists then monitored changes in cognitive functioning through annual assessments and careful review by expert panels utilising strict diagnostic frameworks. Both dementia and milder forms of cognitive impairment were recorded.

The results are nothing short of intriguing. Individuals who reported consistently listening to music—marking “always” on the questionnaire—showed a remarkable 39 percent reduction in their risk of developing dementia compared with those who listened less frequently.

This same group also displayed a 17 percent lower risk of mild cognitive impairment (termed CIND: cognitive impairment no dementia). The findings weren’t limited to passive appreciation; those who played musical instruments regularly (either “often” or “always”) demonstrated a 35 percent reduction in dementia risk. However, instrument playing did not significantly affect the likelihood of developing CIND.

Perhaps even more fascinating, engaging in both activities compounded the benefits. Respondents who frequently listened to music and played an instrument experienced a 33 percent lower risk of dementia and were 22 percent less likely to develop mild cognitive problems. This synergy suggests that music’s positive influence on brain health may be multifaceted, tapping into various cognitive domains.

Further analysis revealed that consistent music listening correlated with better scores on tests assessing global cognition and memory. These improvements did not extend to instrument playing alone, nor did either activity significantly alter participants’ reported quality of life or mental health—at least according to the survey data. The implication here is clear: music’s impact may be most pronounced in specific dimensions of brain function, rather than in general wellbeing.

Education emerged as another noteworthy factor. The association between frequent music listening and reduced dementia risk was strongest among those with sixteen or more years of formal education—effectively those with university-level experience.

In this subgroup, always listening to music corresponded with a staggering 63 percent lower likelihood of developing dementia. By contrast, those with twelve to fifteen years of education saw no statistically significant protective effect, an unexpected outcome that researchers believe warrants further exploration.

Of course, no study is perfect. The authors are quick to point out several limitations. Most critically, because this was an observational study, causality cannot be established. It remains possible that individuals with healthier brains are simply more inclined to engage with music—a phenomenon known as reverse causation. Moreover, participants tended to be healthier than the general older population, which might limit how broadly these results apply beyond the study cohort.

Self-reported data introduces further uncertainty. The questionnaires lacked detail on what types of music participants listened to, how long they engaged in musical activity each session, or whether listening involved instrumental pieces or talk radio programmes. Such nuances may prove crucial in untangling exactly why and how music exerts its beneficial effects on cognition.

Nevertheless, the scale and depth of this investigation mark it as a milestone in dementia research. With nearly eleven thousand individuals tracked for several years, the findings provide strong grounds for further inquiry—and potentially for new public health recommendations. If additional studies confirm these associations across more diverse populations, it could pave the way for simple yet powerful lifestyle interventions to support brain health as people age.

Experts involved in the study emphasise that future research should seek to clarify which aspects of music engagement matter most—is it active participation by playing an instrument? Or is passive enjoyment through listening equally valuable?

Randomised controlled trials would offer definitive answers, allowing scientists to test whether encouraging older adults to embrace music can directly improve cognitive outcomes and delay the onset of dementia.

The implications are wide-reaching. Dementia remains one of the most daunting challenges facing modern societies as life expectancies climb. While genetic factors and chronic diseases play undeniable roles, mounting evidence points to lifestyle—including social interaction and intellectual stimulation—as critical determinants of cognitive resilience.

Music offers a uniquely accessible means of engagement: it is universally enjoyed, requires minimal equipment, and can be tailored to individual preferences.

This study’s findings suggest that public health policy should not overlook cultural activities like music when considering strategies for healthy ageing. Encouraging older adults to listen to music or learn an instrument could become part of broader efforts to combat cognitive decline—alongside exercise, nutrition and social connection.

It is worth noting that music’s power over the mind is not confined to memory or reasoning alone. Previous research has hinted at its ability to boost mood, reduce anxiety and foster social bonds—all factors known to influence brain health indirectly.

While this particular study did not find significant changes in quality of life or mental wellbeing linked to music engagement, other investigations might yet uncover subtle psychological benefits.

The link between education and music’s protective effects is especially intriguing. Those with higher educational attainment seem to derive greater benefit from regular music listening—a discovery that raises important questions about the interplay between lifelong learning and lifestyle choices.

Are highly educated individuals simply more attuned to their own health needs? Or does their background provide greater access to enriching activities like concerts or instrument lessons?

Further research will be essential to answer these questions—and to ensure that recommendations around music engagement are inclusive and effective for all segments of society.

For now, this Australian cohort study offers hope and practical insight. It suggests that something as simple as turning on your favourite song or picking up an old guitar might do more than lift your spirits—it could help keep your mind sharp for years to come.

As scientists continue their search for ways to prevent dementia, music may well prove an indispensable ally.