‘Playing an instrument could be the key to good brain health in later life,’ research suggests
We’ve known for some time that listening to music encourages a variety of health benefits.
But now, research has shown that the act of playing a musical instrument is key to maintaining cognitive health.
Table of Contents
Keeping the brain healthy in older age
Professor Anne Corbett interview
Keeping the brain healthy in older age
That’s right - scientists at the University of Exeter have concluded that music should be considered as part of a lifestyle approach to keeping the brain healthy in older age.
In a study of more than 1,100 people aged over 40, with a mean age of 68, researchers observed their brain function data, as part of a wider investigation that has been finding out how brains age and why people develop dementia.
As part of the research, which has since been published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, they compared the cognitive data of those who engaged in music in some way in their lives - including the effects of playing an instrument, singing, reading and listening to music, and musical ability - with those who never had.
Research Results
And the results were staggering.
The findings showed that while simply listening to music did not appear to help cognitive health - although other studies have shown that doing so promotes a number of things, including reducing anxiety and blood pressure, as well as improving sleep quality and mood - people who played musical instruments were proven to benefit the most, which may be because of the "multiple cognitive demands" of the activity.
Playing the piano or keyboard appeared to be particularly beneficial, while brass and woodwind instruments were also favourable; and singing in a choir may also be beneficial because of the known social aspects of performing as part of a group.
‘Analysis identified an association between musicality and cognition in this cohort,’ reads the study, which was supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and published in January this year. ‘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.
‘Our findings confirm previous literature, highlighting the potential value of education and engagement in musical activities throughout life as a means of harnessing cognitive reserve as part of a protective lifestyle for brain health.’
‘Our brain is a muscle, and learning to read music is a bit like learning a new language - it's challenging’
Professor Anne Corbett interview
Professor Anne Corbett, lead author of the research paper, explained the findings further in an interview with the BBC.
“Because we have such sensitive brain tests for this study, we are able to look at individual aspects of the brain function, such as short-term memory, long-term memory, and problem-solving and how engaging music affects that,” she said. “Certainly, this confirms and cements on a much larger scale what we already know about the benefits of music.
“Specifically, playing an instrument has a particularly big effect, and people who continued to play into an older age saw an additional benefit.”
Professor Corbett added, “Our brain is a muscle like anything else and it needs to be exercised, and learning to read music is a bit like learning a new language, it's challenging."
Amazingly, the study confirms this - as the research found that people who read music regularly had better numerical memory, proving that the ‘exercise’ definitely pays off.
Professor Corbett said she believed, based on current evidence, it would be "very beneficial" for an individual to take up a musical hobby for the first time later in life, although researchers did not test for the potential benefits of this.
Agreeing that further studies were needed, Professor Corbett said promoting musical education could form a "valuable" part of a public health message, as would encouraging older adults to return to music in later life.
“The message is around how people can proactively reduce their risk of cognitive decline or dementia, and really thinking about engaging with music as a way of doing that. This study does suggest that it could be part of a much wider lifestyle approach to improving brain health as you age.”
While the research is certainly an exciting and encouraging medical development, Professor Corbett warned that playing an instrument isn’t a cure or preventative method for age-related brain diseases.
"It would be naïve to think taking up a musical instrument would mean you won't develop dementia,” she explained. “It's not as simple as that.”
Dr Semiya Aziz interview
‘As a doctor, I would encourage any adult to play a musical instrument or join a singing group’
Dr Semiya Aziz, NHS doctor and founder of private practice Say GP, supports the study’s findings.
“Playing a musical instrument or singing is definitely a step in the right direction for older adults in terms of helping their cognition and memory,” she says. “As a doctor, I would encourage any adult to engage in one of these activities. Just because one gets older, it doesn’t mean to say that one should stop using their brain and that issues with cognition and memory are inevitable - in fact, quite the contrary.
“The brain is neuroplastic, and new experiences and memories will form new neural connections, which continue throughout our lives. They stimulate the brain, which is positive for brain health.”
Like Professor Corbett, Dr Aziz agrees that there is “no guaranteed way of preventing dementia” - but that practising a musical instrument certainly helps.
“An active social life stimulates cognitive processes by requiring attention, memory, and problem-solving skills,” she explains. “Singing in a group involves learning lyrics, following rhythm and coordinating with others, all of which help to enhance cognitive skills. The need to remember names and words is all positive for brain health and memory.
“Any activity in a social group can trigger the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin, which are mood-enhancing chemicals that invoke pleasure and a sense of bonding with others. This in turn may reduce stress levels, which reduces chronic inflammation in the body, and hence may help with brain health.”
Finally, Dr Aziz adds, “Socialising provides a sense of belonging, as well as giving individuals the opportunity to contribute to the activity, which enhances social and emotional skills such as empathy, cooperation and communication. They also help an individual to avoid feelings of loneliness and isolation, whilst boosting better cognitive function, strengthening memory and emotional resilience in older adults.”
Conclusion
So there you have it - if you’re looking for the motivation to take up a musical instrument or join a singing group, taking care of the future health of your brain is certainly a good enough reason.
With around 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia - a number that is unfortunately expected to increase due to the ageing population - surely anything that can perhaps delay the risk is worthwhile.