Playing musical instruments can improve brain health in older people

A lifelong commitment to music is associated with improved brain health in later life, according to new research published by experts at the University of Exeter.

Scientists working on PROTECT, an online study aimed at people over 40, surveyed 1,000 adults over 40 to see how playing an instrument or singing in a choir affects brain health. The above data was examined. More than 25,000 people have enrolled in the PROTECT study, which has been running for 10 years.

The research team looked at participants' musical experiences and lifelong exposure to music, along with cognitive test results, to determine whether musicality helps maintain brain sharpness later in life.

The paper “The relationship between musical instrument performance and cognitive trajectories: An analysis from an aging cohort in the UK'' International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

The findings show that playing a musical instrument, especially the piano, is associated with improved memory and the ability to solve complex tasks, known as executive function. Continuing to play until later in life brings even greater benefits. The study also suggests that singing is also associated with improved brain health, but this may be due to the social factors of being part of a choir or group.

Anne Corbett, Professor of Dementia Research at the University of Exeter, said: 'A number of studies have looked at the impact of music on brain health. Our PROTECT study explores the relationship between music and cognitive performance. “This gave us a unique opportunity to investigate.” Overall, we think that enjoying music may be a way to tap into the brain's agility and resilience, known as cognitive reserve. ”

“Although further research is needed to explore this relationship, our findings demonstrate that promoting music education is a valuable part of public health efforts to promote lifestyles that protect brain health, and that promoting This is important evidence that music group activities are beneficial for people with dementia, and this approach may be useful for older people. It has the potential to be expanded as part of a healthy aging package to enable older adults to proactively reduce risk and promote brain health.”

Stuart Douglas, a 78-year-old accordionist from Cornwall, has played the instrument all his life and currently performs with the Comber Valley Accordion Band and the Cornish section of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. doing.

He said: “I learned to play the accordion as a boy living in a mining village in Fife, and continued to play it throughout my police and later career.These days I still play regularly, and I have always enjoyed playing in bands. We also play at Memories Café regularly, so we see first-hand the impact our music has on people with memory loss, and as older musicians ourselves, There is no doubt that continuing to play music plays an important role even after becoming a child. To keep our brain healthy. ”

The PROTECT study is conducted entirely online and is open to new participants aged 40 and older. For more information please visit http://www.protectstudy.org.uk.