As people grow older, concerns around memory decline and reduced mental sharpness often increase. According to Dr Jay Jagannathan, a board-certified neurosurgeon specialising in cranial and spinal surgery, music can play a meaningful role in keeping the brain engaged and resilient over time. He explains that music stimulates the brain in ways many everyday activities do not, helping to support cognitive function and emotional wellbeing during ageing.
Dr Jagannathan highlights that large observational studies involving adults over the age of 70 show a lower risk of dementia among those who regularly listen to music. While music is not a medical treatment, he notes that consistent mental engagement is crucial for long-term brain health. Music uniquely activates multiple brain systems at once, including memory emotion attention and movement, strengthening neural connections that support cognition.
Music is also closely linked to autobiographical memory. Even in individuals experiencing cognitive decline, familiar songs can spark recognition and emotional responses, helping them remain mentally present and connected to their identity. Adding gentle movement such as walking or stretching while listening to music can further enhance brain stimulation by engaging coordination and balance centres.
Dr Jagannathan emphasises that music does not cure or prevent dementia and that current findings are observational rather than definitive proof. However, he believes music remains a safe accessible and emotionally meaningful activity that encourages joy connection and self-care, all of which quietly contribute to better brain health as we age.
