What Is the Association Between Music-Related Leisure Activities and Dementia Risk? A Cohort Study. First published: 14 October 2025. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
- Always listening to music was associated with a 39% reduced dementia risk and better global cognition and memory scores.
- Playing an instrument was associated with a 35% reduced dementia risk, but no significant association with CIND risk or changes in cognitive test scores over time.
- Regularly engaging in both music listening and playing was associated with a 33% decreased risk of dementia and 22% decreased risk of cognitive impairment no dementia (CIND).
- Engagement in music-related activities showed no significant association with subjective cognitive wellbeing.
- Music engagement benefits were strongest in those with higher education (16+ years) but showed inconsistent results in the middle education group (12–15 years).
- This large prospective cohort study (n = 10,893) suggests music activities may be an accessible strategy for maintaining cognitive health in older adults, though causation cannot be established.
