Influence of music

History

2025: Scientific Explanation of the Impact of Music on Brain Development

Researchers from Monash University found that regularly listening to music and playing musical instruments significantly reduced the risk of developing in dementias older adults. An analysis of data from more than 10,800 people over the age of 70 found those who constantly listen to music were 39% less likely to develop dementia. This became known in November 2025.

The project was led by Monash University art student Emma Jaffa and Professor Joanne Ryan. They studied the effects of listening to music and playing musical instruments on the cognitive health of people over the age of 70. The findings were published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

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Фото: Freepik

The researchers relied on data from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly study and the additional ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons study. Both programs are large-scale projects to study aging processes. The analysis covered more than 10,800 older adults. Participants provided information about their music activities.

The analysis found that people who constantly listened to music had a 39% lower risk of developing dementia than those who never, rarely or only occasionally listened to music. The group, which reported always listening to music, showed the most significant cognitive benefits. These individuals also had higher overall cognitive performance and better episodic memory.

Episodic memory is used in the reproduction of everyday events. This is the ability to recall specific episodes from a personal past with details about time and place. Improving this type of memory has practical implications for everyday life. Older people with good episodic memory do a better job of everyday tasks.^[1]

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