Starting an Instrument in Old Age Can Help Maintain Cognitive Health, New Study Finds

As people age, they often face a decline in cognitive functions, especially in areas like working memory. While aging is inevitable, engaging in brain-stimulating activities appears to offer a protective effect. Recent research conducted by Kyoto University reveals that taking up a musical instrument later in life can significantly influence brain health and preserve cognitive abilities.

The study focused on older adults, averaging 73 years of age, who had previously practiced a musical instrument for four months. Participants were divided into two groups: one continued practicing for over three years, while the other ceased and pursued different hobbies. After four years, MRI scans and cognitive assessments highlighted notable differences.

Results showed that those who continued playing their instruments maintained better verbal working memory and exhibited less atrophy in critical brain regions such as the right putamen and cerebellum. Conversely, participants who stopped experiencing a decline in these areas, along with decreased gray matter volume and reduced activity in the cerebellum. These findings suggest that ongoing musical activity may serve as a buffer against age-related brain deterioration.

Lead researcher Kaoru Sekiyama emphasized that the positive effects concentrate in specific brain regions affected by aging, making musical practice an effective strategy to prevent cognitive decline. Playing an instrument, even in later years, could be an excellent alternative to physical activity for individuals facing mobility issues, offering both mental and physical benefits.

Overall, this research underscores that it's never too late to start playing music. Engaging in musical practice can promote brain health, potentially delaying the decline in memory and other cognitive functions associated with aging.