In a recent study at Monash University, researchers aimed to investigate whether “music-related leisure activities” could improve cognitive functions and reduce the risk of dementia.

The study analysed over 100,000 adults aged 70 and over without a dementia diagnosis and found that participants who regularly listened to music had a 39% lower risk of developing the disease and showed better memory performance.

While those who played a musical instrument had a 35% lower risk compared to those who rarely or never engaged with music.

In addition, music engagement was linked to a 17% lower incidence of cognitive impairment with better overall cognition and day-to-day (episodic) memory performance.

In the latest phase of the study, no specific genre of music was identified, but evidence suggests that songs that evoke interest or memories may offer the greatest health benefits.

According to the 2025 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report, one in nine adults over the age of 65 have Alzheimer’s Dementia, with that rate increasing with age.

Study senior author Professor Joanne Ryan said: “With no cure currently available for dementia, the importance of identifying strategies to help prevent or delay onset of the disease is critical.”

This new study, which is the most comprehensive research of its kind to date, may point to positive and accessible ways of supporting cognitive health later in life. However, the report stressed that this was a strictly observational study, meaning that “causation cannot be established”. 

All participants in the study were tracked for a median of 4.7 years, with some follow-ups extending beyond that period.