How Listening to Music May Help Protect the Brain: What the ALSOP Study Shows
- Team Writer
- May 22
- 4 min read
Can something as simple as listening to music help protect your brain as you age? Recent research suggests it might. A large study connected to the ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons (ALSOP) found that music may play an important role in keeping our minds healthy.
Let’s break down what this study is, what it looked at, and why music could matter more than we think.
What Is the ALSOP Study?
The ALSOP study is a long-term research project that looks at how people age. It follows thousands of older adults over time to understand how lifestyle, health, and daily habits affect their well-being.
ALSOP is part of a larger project called ASPREE (ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly). Together, these studies track many aspects of aging, including memory, physical health, and the risk of syndromes such as Dementia.
The main goal of ALSOP is simple: to find ways to help older adults stay healthy, independent, and mentally sharp for as long as possible.
What Did Researchers Want to Learn?
In one part of the ALSOP research, scientists asked a big question: Can music help protect the brain from Dementia?
To explore this, researchers studied more than 10,800 adults aged 70 and older.
They looked at how often people:
Listened to music
Played musical instruments
Did both
Then they followed these individuals over time to see who developed Dementia or memory problems.
What Did the ALSOP Study Find?
The results were surprising—and encouraging.
People who regularly listened to music had a much lower risk of developing Dementia. In fact:
Those who always listened to music had about a 39% lower risk of Dementia.
They also had a 17% lower risk of cognitive impairment, which means fewer problems with memory and thinking.
Playing an instrument also helped:
It was linked to about a 35% lower risk of Dementia.
And people who did both—listening and playing—also showed strong benefits. Even more interesting, people who listened to music often had better memory and thinking skills over time.
Why Might Music Help the Brain?
Scientists are still learning exactly why music helps, but they have some strong ideas.
Music is powerful because it activates many parts of the brain at once. It can:
Improve memory
Boost attention
Support emotional health
Encourage social connection
In fact, researchers say music may help build what’s called “cognitive resilience.” This means the brain becomes stronger and better able to handle the effects of aging.
Another key point is that brain health is not determined solely by age or genetics. Lifestyle choices—like staying active, social, and mentally engaged—also play a big role.
Music fits perfectly into this idea because it is easy, enjoyable, and accessible.
What Are the Limits of the ALSOP Study?
While the results are exciting, there is one important thing to remember: The study does not prove that music directly prevents Dementia. It shows a strong link, but not cause and effect.
This means:
People who listen to music may also have other healthy habits
Music could be one part of a bigger lifestyle that supports brain health
Still, the findings are strong enough that experts believe music could be a helpful tool.
Why This Matters
Dementia is a growing global health concern. As people live longer, more families are affected by memory loss and cognitive decline. Right now, there is no cure for Dementia. That’s why prevention and delay are so important.
The ALSOP study suggests something hopeful: small, everyday activities—like listening to music—may help protect the brain.
And unlike many medical treatments, music is:
Low-cost
Easy to access
Enjoyable
That makes it a powerful option for many people.
Simple Takeaways
Here are a few key lessons from the ALSOP research:
Listening to music regularly may lower the risk of Dementia
Music can support memory and thinking skills
Lifestyle choices play a big role in brain health
Even simple habits can make a difference over time
Final Thoughts
The ALSOP study gives us a new way to think about brain health. It reminds us that caring for our minds doesn’t always require complicated solutions. Sometimes, it can be as simple as pressing play on your favorite song. Whether it’s singing along, listening to a playlist, or playing an instrument, music may be more than entertainment—it may be a tool for healthier aging.
Sources and Further Reading
Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.
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