Why Listening to Music Could Be a Smart Move for Your Brain
Last Updated on December 3, 2025 by Team MSW
A fresh study from Monash University suggests that regular musical engagement, simply listening to or playing music, is linked with a significantly lower risk of dementia for older adults.
The research analyzed health and lifestyle data from more than 10,800 individuals over the age of 70. Among those who consistently listened to music (compared with those who rarely or never did), the risk of developing dementia dropped by 39%. Even playing an instrument was associated with a 35% reduction in risk.
Beyond dementia, there were gains in cognitive health more broadly: “always-listeners” demonstrated better overall cognitive scores and stronger episodic memory, the kind we use to recall everyday events.
As one of the lead researchers pointed out, “music activities may be an accessible strategy for maintaining cognitive health in older adults, though causation cannot be established.”
Given that aging populations worldwide are seeing rising rates of dementia and cognitive decline, this matters. With no cure currently available for dementia, strategies to help delay or reduce risk, especially those that are simple, low-cost, and enjoyable, are incredibly valuable.
Listening to music is easy to incorporate into daily life. Whether it’s a favourite song during your morning routine, a classic record in the afternoon, or a little musical instrument practice, these may do more than lift your spirits. They could give your brain a protective edge.
If you’re approaching retirement or already enjoying those years, this might be one of the more pleasurable “brain exercises” out there.
Many people think that cognitive decline is an unavoidable part of aging, but this study nudges us to think differently. It suggests that enjoyable, everyday activities, such as playing or listening to music, can have real, measurable implications for long-term brain health.
Rather than a dry medical intervention or a strict regimen, this is about combining lifestyle, joy, and brain resilience. It brings hope not through pills, but through something many of us already do or can start doing, enjoying music.
It also underscores the bigger point that our lifestyle choices, even later in life, can shape how our brains age.
“Music activities may be an accessible strategy for maintaining cognitive health in older adults, though causation cannot be established.”
That mix of optimism and humility captures the power and promise of the findings, without over-promising.
If you enjoy music, whether it’s humming along, spinning a classic vinyl, or plucking a simple tune on an instrument, this research gives you extra reason to keep it up. It turns musical enjoyment into brain care.
Curious to see all the data and details behind the findings? Go read the full article: “Daily music listening linked to big drop in dementia risk | ScienceDaily”
