If you play musical instrument as a child, your brain may benefit in old age

There is a link between playing music in childhood and improved cognitive ability in later life. — AFP

IN ADDITION to its ability to affect mood, music can be a powerful cognitive and cerebral stimulant. This is particularly true of children, who are encouraged to play an instrument from an early age. And those who do may enjoy long-term benefits as playing music has positive effects on the development and preservation of their cognitive capacities throughout their lives.

Researchers at Universities of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Napier in Scotland have investigated the benefits of playing a musical instrument beginning in childhood. They found that musicians performed better on cognitive assessment tests than those who had never played an instrument in their lives. This suggests a link between musical practice in childhood and improved cognitive ability in later life.