Playing a Musical Instrument Maintains Brain Health Later in Life: Study

People who played the keyboard or brass instruments had better working memory, and those who played woodwind instruments had better executive function.

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Playing a musical instrument or singing could be a vital part of a healthy lifestyle, a new study indicates, finding that practicing music keeps the brain sharp, especially later in life.

The new report, published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, suggests that music should be a regular part of a healthy lifestyle, especially for individuals at higher risk of developing dementia.