Music and the Aging Brain

By Rouaa Ahmed, B.Sc. Neuroscience Undergraduate Student

Music is a universal part of life, whether it is a song on the radio, a melody stuck in your head, or a favorite tune that brings back fond memories. It can uplift moods, bring people together, and even transport us back in time. No matter the genre or personal preference, music is something almost everyone enjoys. However, beyond its entertainment value, music can incredibly support our well-being. Research shows that engaging with music can boost cognitive abilities by improving memory, focus, and self-control. For older adults, music offers a simple, enjoyable, and accessible way to keep the mind active, reduce stress, and strengthen social connections, all contributing to healthy aging.

Studies have found that learning to play an instrument, even for a relatively short duration, provides significant cognitive benefits for the aging brain. Wang et al. (2021) found that after just 10 weeks of learning to play the melodica, participants showed improvements in executive functions, including enhanced memory, cognitive speed, and reaction times. Even more impressively, more extended training programs of 16 weeks or more led to even more significant improvements in problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

But what if you don’t play an instrument? The good news is that the benefits of music go beyond playing; simply listening has been shown to support brain health in older adults. Listening to music with lyrics can improve language processing. Meanwhile, slower, more melodic compositions can induce relaxation and enhance concentration (Raglio et al., 2015). But music is more than just a brain booster; It is also an excellent way to strengthen social connections and promote emotional well-being. Think about how singing along at a concert or dancing at a wedding brings people together. MacRitchie et al. (2018) found that older adults who participated in group musical training activities experienced increased confidence and motivation. Beyond that, many participants reported a stronger sense of social connectedness, a key factor in mental wellbeing. Furthermore, Individuals who listened to personally meaningful songs reported that it evoked past personal memories, particularly in those with dementia, while also heightening feelings of happiness and social engagement (Raglio et al., 2019). This is especially important since social isolation has been linked to cognitive decline and a higher risk of dementia (Lammer et al., 2020).

Beyond the benefits mentioned above, music also has some surprising physiological benefits. De Nys et al. (2022) suggest that combining music with physical activity, such as walking or dancing along to your favorite songs, can significantly reduce stress by increasing dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels, a hormone associated with improved stress regulation and overall health. This is particularly important because chronic stress is known to impair brain function, reducing concentration and memory retention (Starcke et al., 2016). Additionally, prolonged exposure to stress accelerates aging and increases the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes (Epel et al., 2018). Therefore, using music as a coping mechanism to manage stress can be a helpful way to mitigate its negative effects on the body.

In conclusion, numerous scientific studies strongly support the role of music in maintaining and, in some cases, improving various aspects of health and longevity, mainly cognitive functions in the aging brain. Because music is so accessible and enjoyable, it is one of the simplest ways to stay mentally and physically healthy. Whether you play an instrument, sing along to your favorite songs, or simply listen, incorporating music into your daily routine can have lasting benefits. So go ahead, sing in the shower, turn up the volume in your car, or put on your favorite song while cooking. Your brain will thank you for it!

 REFERENCES

De Nys, L., Cuddihy, T., Quinton, R., & Bartlett, D. (2022). Digital music and movement intervention to improve health and wellbeing in older adults in care homes: A pilot mixed methods study. Journal of Aging and Health, 34(3), 379-395.

Epel, E. S., Blackburn, E. H., Lin, J., Dhabhar, F. S., Adler, N. E., Morrow, J. D., & Cawthon, R. M. (2018). Stress biology and aging mechanisms: Toward understanding the deep connection between adaptation to stress and longevity. Annual Review of Psychology, 69(1), 397-425.

Lammer, R., Smith, J., & Douglas, T. (2020). Impact of social isolation on grey matter structure and cognitive functions: A population-based longitudinal neuroimaging study. Neurobiology of Aging, 91(1), 78-90.

MacRitchie, J., Wöllner, C., & Halpern, A. R. (2018). Cognitive, motor, and social factors of music instrument training programs for older adults’ improved well-being. Psychology of Music, 46(3), 425-439.

Raglio, A., Oasi, O., Gianotti, M., Manzoni, V., Bolis, S., & Ubezio, M. C. (2015). Cognitive stimulation with music in older adults with cognitive impairment: A scoping review. Journal of Music Therapy, 52(2), 220-241.

Starcke, K., Brand, M., & Wolf, O. T. (2016). Effects of acute laboratory stress on executive functions. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 68, 86-93.

Wang, X., Tanaka, Y., & So, W. C. (2021). Effects of a 10-week musical instrument training on cognitive function in healthy older adults: Implications for desirable tests and period of training. Aging & Mental Health, 25(5), 897-906.