According to the study published in the "International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry", scientists from the University of Exeter investigated how the brains of people who play music and those who do not play music age. In the study, the effects of playing instruments, singing, reading sheet music, listening to music and musical talent on the human brain were examined in more than 1100 people aged 40-68.
ENGAGING IN MUSIC KEEPS THE MEMORY FRESH
Researchers compared the cognitive data of people who had been involved in music in their lives and those who had never been involved in music. The results showed that people who played the piano or organ benefited more from engaging in music, but listening to music alone did not have the same effect on cognitive health.
The study found that engaging in music helps to maintain brain health in later life by keeping the memory fresh, and that people who regularly read sheet music had better numerical memory.
Prof. Anne Corbett, the lead author of the study, said in a statement to the BBC that they applied very sensitive tests for this research, thus examining various brain functions of people and investigating the effect of music on this.
Emphasizing that playing an instrument has great effects on the brain, Corbett said, "The research shows how people can actively reduce the risk of dementia and music plays a role in reducing it."
The organization called "Dementia UK" in the UK also stated that the results of the study have positive effects on dementia patients and that these patients use music as a way of communication.
