Here’s the perfect activity to keep your brain young. It is a miraculous solution even for people in their third age.
Recent studies suggest that the cognitive functions of musicians degrade more slowly over time, thus maintaining their level of intelligence as they age. This could provide an explanation for the mental agility of artists like Keith Richards, who remains as energetic even at the age of 80.
The Rolling Stones guitar maestro, known for his riffs, demonstrates remarkable wisdom and spiritual depth despite his tumultuous life of alcohol and drug abuse. Researchers believe that his musical talent may play a significant role in this resilience of cognitive abilities.
The hobby that can keep the brain young
Specialists from the University of Exeter have identified that people who practice playing instruments show superior cognitive abilities and have a stronger memory later in life compared to those who do not get involved in musical activities, writes TheSun.ro.
Exercising the brain through musical practice is thought to stimulate nerve growth and improve blood circulation, while a lack of stimulation through new and difficult challenges can lead to a weakening of these capacities over time.
Research on a sample of 1,570 adults over the age of 40 found that people who played a musical instrument performed significantly better in the areas of memory, reasoning and thinking speed compared to non-musicians .
It is important to note that listening to music alone did not have the same impact on cognitive abilities.
Participants who played the piano saw the most significant benefit, but all those who played instruments scored higher compared to those who had no musical experience.
Professor Anne Corbett, the author of the study, explained: “We believe that engaging in music could be an effective way to boost the flexibility and resilience of the brain, known as cognitive reserve. Our results suggest that promoting music education could be beneficial for health public. Similarly, encouraging older adults to return to music later in life could have significant benefits.”
This could give them the opportunity to actively reduce their risk of dementia and encourage brain health. Previous studies have shown that practicing a musical instrument increases children’s IQ and improves their reading and concentration skills.
Also, adults who sing or have played music regularly usually score better on tests of language and thinking speed.
In an article published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, Professor Corbett suggested that the “cognitive demands” of playing music are beneficial for brain health.
Playing in an orchestra or choir also contributes to socialization, which can help reduce the risk of dementia.
According to the latest figures provided by the Ministry of Health regarding this subject, 300,000 Romanians live with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, far above the European average, and the diagnosis rate is only 10-15%. Worldwide, there are more than 50 million patients suffering from dementia, most of them in the form of Alzheimer’s.
What are the symptoms of dementia?
Dementia is a condition that can cause a variety of symptoms, and these can occur at different stages of a person’s life, although they are more common as the person gets older. The main symptoms of dementia are:
Memory loss: The person may have difficulty remembering recent events, names of people or important places.
Difficulty thinking and concentrating: Difficulty performing everyday tasks, such as solving problems or making decisions, may occur.
Confusion: The person may become disoriented in space and time or have difficulty recognizing familiar people or objects.
Language disorders: Difficulty expressing ideas or understanding spoken language may occur.
Difficulty carrying out daily activities: The person may have difficulty carrying out usual tasks, such as dressing or cooking.
Changes in mood and behavior: Sudden changes in mood, anxiety, or unusual agitation may occur.
Source: StirilePROTV
Publication date: 02-03-2024 17:05
2024-03-02 15:05:00
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