The simple hobby that can help boost brain health later in life
The long-term benefit of learning an instrument
- Learning a musical instrument later in life offers significant benefits for cognitive health and engagement, according to consultant neurologist Dr Steven Allder.
- This creative endeavour stimulates crucial brain regions, elevates mood, and bolsters long-term cognitive function, improving memory and promoting neuroplasticity.
- Engaging with music strengthens neural networks linked to memory and attention, enhancing working memory and long-term recall, and can improve verbal memory and cognitive flexibility.
- Musical training helps maintain cognitive flexibility by stimulating new neural connections and strengthening existing ones, particularly for individuals over 60.
- It also significantly benefits emotional well-being and mental health by releasing pleasure-related chemicals, lowering stress hormones, and enhancing executive functions and communication skills.