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A new study by the University of Exeter has found a connection between brain health in old age and musicality. The research, published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, shows that playing a musical instrument is associated with better working memory and executive function.
This study is based on an analysis of cognitive and musicality data (using the Edinburgh Lifetime Musical Experience Questionnaire) collected between March 2019 and March 2022 as part of the online PROTECT-UK study. PROTECT-UK aims to understand how the brain ages, and for this new research they specifically looked at the connection between musicianship and the brain.
By comparing the questionnaires and test results of 1,107 PROTECT-UK participants, the researchers were able to see that people who had ‘musical ability’ showed better working memory than non-musicians; and those who played a musical instrument for many years showed improved memory and executive function. They also noticed that participants who sang in a choir showed better brain health (executive function), but that effect could also be related to the social aspect of choirs.
Playing a musical instrument was associated with significantly better performance in working memory and executive function. Significant associations were also found between singing and executive function, and between overall musical ability and working memory.
“There is considerable evidence for the benefit of music group activities for individuals with dementia,” says Anne Corbett, Professor of Dementia Research at the University of Exeter. “This approach could be extended as part of a healthy aging package for older adults to enable them to proactively reduce their risk and to promote brain health.”
Research like this suggests that being musical might help keep our brains sharp and strong, which is called cognitive reserve. Given the potential population-wide impact of these findings, there are health benefits to providing access to music education for everyone, and encouraging older people to enjoy music again.
Also see: PLAYING AN INSTRUMENT COULD IMPROVE LONG-TERM COGNITIVE ABILITY (UK STUDY)
SOURCES:
Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/evaamsen/2024/01/28/lifetime-musicians-may-have-healthier-brains/
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/gps.6061
Leicester Mercury: https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/health/playing-music-throughout-life-linked-9063516
| BENEFIT: | COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE & WELLBEING |
| TARGET GROUP: | ADULTS |
| AGE: | 40 YEARS PLUS |
| MUSIC TYPE: | GENERAL |
| TYPE OF STUDY: | ACADEMIC RESEARCH |
| NOs INVOLVED: | 1,107 |
| PERIOD OF STUDY: | 3 YEARS (2019-22) |
| DATE: | 2024 |
| PLACE: | UK |
Music Education Works 