The Cognitive Benefits of Learning a Musical Instrument

Playing a musical instrument can serve as a protective measure for the brain against aging, providing a lasting defense against cognitive decline.

A study by researchers from Canada and China found that older adults with years of musical experience excelled at understanding speech in noisy settings, such as crowded rooms, when compared to non-musicians.

These musicians’ brains exhibited patterns similar to those of younger individuals, requiring less energy to concentrate than the brains of older non-musicians, who had to expend extra effort due to age-related declines.

Musical practice appears to enhance what is known as ‘cognitive reserve,’ which functions as a brain’s backup system, allowing for greater efficiency and maintaining a youthful cognitive function as one ages.

Years of musical training have strengthened neurological connections related to hearing, movement, and speech, facilitating better sound processing in challenging environments, such as distinguishing a single voice among a crowd. These findings challenge the stereotype that older brains must work harder to adapt to aging.

Regularly engaging in music practice, for about 12 hours weekly regardless of skill level, can build this ‘reserve,’ enabling the brain to function without unnecessary strain.

The study, published in PLOS Biology, highlighted that older musicians demonstrated fewer demanding brain activities while listening compared to their non-musical peers, suggesting that music training could pave the way for new therapies aimed at delaying cognitive decline.