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Playing Musical Instruments Linked to Better Brain Health in Older Adults

Continued engagement in music, particularly playing instruments and choir singing, associated with improved memory and cognitive abilities, suggests the PROTECT study.

older people playing instrument
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image: @ Isobel Fisher | iStock
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Overview

  • Playing a musical instrument, particularly the piano, is linked to better brain health in older adults, including improved memory and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Singing in a choir also showed a positive correlation with better brain health, though researchers suggest that the social aspects of being part of a group may contribute to these benefits.
  • Continuing to play an instrument or sing in a choir into the later stages of life confers even greater benefits.
  • The study, part of the ongoing PROTECT project, analyzed data from over 1,100 adults aged 40 and above.
  • Promoting musical education and encouraging older adults to return to music in later life could be valuable parts of public health initiatives to promote a protective lifestyle for brain health.