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New research shows engaging with music is linked to better cognitive function and a reduced risk of dementia and heart disease in later life.
Dementia and heart disease are among the leading contributors to disease burden in Australia and worldwide. The risk of developing these diseases increases with age, but they are not inevitable. Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly are widely recognised as strategies to help maintain good health. However, individuals increasingly seek answers about other ways in which they can reduce their risk of dementia and heart disease.
Could listening to a favourite playlist be more than a source of joy, helping to keep one’s brain and heart healthy? Researchers from Monash University, in collaboration with other global research institutions, explored this question in the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) study involving over 10 000 Australians aged 70 years and above.
New research published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and the International Journal of Cardiology Cardiovascular Risk and Prevention found that regular music engagement is linked to better cognitive function and a reduced risk of dementia and heart disease in later life.
Researchers invited more than 10 000 community-dwelling older Australians without prior dementia, cardiovascular disease event, or other major health conditions to be involved. At the time of study enrolment, individuals were asked:
(a) how frequently they listened to music; and
(b) how often they played a musical instrument, over the past 12 months.
These individuals were then followed over eight years. Using hospital and medical records, the occurrence of new dementia and heart disease events was verified by a panel of international experts. Cognitive function assessment was undertaken by trained and certified staff at baseline and at years one and three, and annually thereafter. Cognitive measurement included the Modified Mini‐Mental State examination as a measure of global cognitive abilities, single letter Controlled Oral Word Association Test with the letter F to test verbal fluency, the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test – Revised to measure verbal learning and episodic memory, and the Symbol‐digit Modalities Test to measure psychomotor speed.
Researchers found that individuals who listened to music every day, compared to those who didn’t listen to music, had better memory (ie, when recalling everyday events) and overall cognitive performance. They were also 39% less likely to develop dementia. Similar benefits were observed for individuals who regularly played a musical instrument. On the other hand, while listening to music was associated with an 18% reduced risk of heart disease, this link was largely explained by health-related behavioural factors.
While our study didn’t investigate the exact biological mechanisms behind these findings, one possible explanation could lie in previous evidence showing music activities (either listening to music or playing an instrument) stimulate and engage multiple regions of the brain. This can include learning and memory, as well as brain regions controlling emotion, pleasure, and movement. Together, this can help strengthen the connections and could make the brain more resilient to degeneration. Further, listening to music can exert psychological benefits (eg, reducing stress and anxiety, making us feel happy), which could help reduce blood pressure and have benefits on our heart and nervous system. Together these effects could indirectly contribute to a healthier heart.
The findings from our research add to the emerging evidence base, providing a novel understanding of the association between music‐related activities and cognitive wellbeing in later life. Our research also shows some evidence of a link between music and heart disease, which is likely to occur through changes in associated behavioural factors. These findings highlight music’s potential as a multifaceted, accessible, low‐risk intervention for healthy ageing. Our preliminary findings from these observational studies highlight the need for additional interventional studies to determine whether music-related interventions have a direct impact on cognitive ageing and on the prevention of dementia and heart disease. Music-based interventions may be considered complementary strategies within holistic approaches to both brain and heart wellbeing. A more detailed exploration of the types, frequency, and context of music listening and music-related activities may help clarify which aspects are most influential for brain and heart health.
Dr Aung Zaw Zaw Phyo, PhD, is a research fellow at the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Australia.
Prof Joanne Ryan, PhD, is the head of the Biological Neuropsychiatry and Dementia research unit in the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Australia.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
The statements or opinions expressed in this article reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official policy of the AMA, the MJA or InSight+ unless so stated.
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