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Musical instrument playing and its association with reduced risk of dementia and cognitive impairment: A literature review
1
5th Military Clinical Hospital with Polyclinic SPZOZ in Krakow, Poland
2
Warszawski Szpital Południowy Sp. z o.o. / Warsaw Southern Hospital, Poland
3
The University Hospital in Krakow, Poland
4
Szpital św. Anny w Miechowie / St. Anne’s Hospital in Miechów, Poland
5
Centrum Medyczne w Łańcucie Sp. z o.o. / Medical Center in Łańcut, Poland
6
Department of Medical Education, Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow, Poland
7
Samodzielny Publiczny Zakład Opieki Zdrowotnej MSWiA w Krakowie / Independent Public Healthcare Facility of the Ministry of Interior and Administration in Krakow, Poland
Corresponding author
Sylwia Bryksy
5 Wojskowy Szpital Kliniczny z Polikliniką SPZOZ w Krakowie, ul. Wrocławska 1–3, 30-901 Kraków
5 Wojskowy Szpital Kliniczny z Polikliniką SPZOZ w Krakowie, ul. Wrocławska 1–3, 30-901 Kraków
Ann. Acad. Med. Siles. 2026;80:14-19
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Dementia is a chronic and progressive decline in cognition without impairment of consciousness. The condition intrudes on the ability to live independently. The occurrence of dementia increases with age. Nowadays, there is no cure for dementia. There are some modifiable risk and protective factors that can be used to prevent the occurrence of the disease and delay its onset. Studies show that one of the factors that can reduce the risk of developing dementia is participation in leisure activities. This protective effect has also been observed in individuals who play a musical instrument. The aim of this study is to review the literature on the impact of playing a musical instrument on the development of dementia and cognitive impairment.
Material and methods:
A review of available studies examining the relationship between playing a musical instrument and the risk of dementia and cognitive aging was conducted. To identify relevant literature, the PubMed and Google Scholar databases were used.
Results:
Several studies investigating the benefits of playing a musical instrument on cognitive function and dementia have shown that playing a musical instrument has a positive impact on tasks involving working memory, executive functions, crystallized intelligence, processing speed, letter fluency, digit span forward and backward, learning, and visuospatial functions.
Conclusions:
Playing a musical instrument is a protective factor against dementia and cognitive impairment.
Dementia is a chronic and progressive decline in cognition without impairment of consciousness. The condition intrudes on the ability to live independently. The occurrence of dementia increases with age. Nowadays, there is no cure for dementia. There are some modifiable risk and protective factors that can be used to prevent the occurrence of the disease and delay its onset. Studies show that one of the factors that can reduce the risk of developing dementia is participation in leisure activities. This protective effect has also been observed in individuals who play a musical instrument. The aim of this study is to review the literature on the impact of playing a musical instrument on the development of dementia and cognitive impairment.
Material and methods:
A review of available studies examining the relationship between playing a musical instrument and the risk of dementia and cognitive aging was conducted. To identify relevant literature, the PubMed and Google Scholar databases were used.
Results:
Several studies investigating the benefits of playing a musical instrument on cognitive function and dementia have shown that playing a musical instrument has a positive impact on tasks involving working memory, executive functions, crystallized intelligence, processing speed, letter fluency, digit span forward and backward, learning, and visuospatial functions.
Conclusions:
Playing a musical instrument is a protective factor against dementia and cognitive impairment.
FUNDING
The study did not receive special funding.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
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