Music is music in our ears.
A study published in the International Gazette of Geriatric Psychiatry tracked more than 1,100 adults over 40 – with an average age 68 years – to see which transitions packaged the largest cognitive coup.
The researchers compared participants who were engaged with music – whether singing, playing an instrument, or listening to the tunes – against those who did not.
The results showed that eternal musicians exceeded non-musical in memory tests, problem solving and mental processing speed.
“Playing the keyboard instruments showed the strongest effect on both memory and executive function,” Newsweek Anne Corbett, a professor of dementia at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom, told Newsweek.
“The bronze and Woodwind instrument also playing memory also benefited the memory, while the singing was associated with the best completion of tasks.”
The authors of the study believe that playing music and singing can exercise the brain in ways that can help remove cognitive fall.
“Playing and reading music are complex tasks that challenge the brain,” Corbett said.
“It is likely that by engaging with music in this way people are increasing their brain resistance by forming more complex connections, in a similar way to learning a second language or performing brain training tasks. Engagement with music will activate key trails in the brain that promote memory, problem solving and complex thinking.”
She noted that while findings cannot be applied directly to dementia – as the study was to healthy adults – people with dementia seem to respond well to music, suggesting it could serve as an effective part of their treatment.
The findings match previous research that found participation in music-related activities-such as played or singing instruments-can improve cognitive functions such as memory and attention.
Other activities that help remove dementia include prayer, teaching a second language, reading and designing.
#mind #sharp #grow #activity
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