Source note · R055
The associations between playing a musical instrument and grey matter in older adults at risk for dementia: a whole-brain VBM analysis
First published online in 2025; journal volume dated 2026.
An exploratory memory-clinic imaging study finds some brain differences but no significant cognitive difference between musician groups.
- Setting
- Related music & arts
- Kind of evidence
- Survey & observational
- Review extent
- Selected sections reviewed
What was studied
A cross-sectional analysis of 61 older adults: 15 current musicians, 20 former musicians and 26 nonmusicians.
What it contributes
Some grey-matter comparisons differed between groups; the reported cognitive group comparisons were not significant.
Where the evidence stops
The imaging threshold was exploratory and uncorrected. Selection and prior experience remain possible explanations. The study does not show that playing prevents dementia or reverses cognitive difficulty.
About this review
This is a targeted review of selected sections. The record should not be read as an appraisal of the entire work.
Source note updated September 7, 2026. Read our approach to evidence.