A recent study has found that older adults can recall familiar music just as well as younger individuals, although their brains work harder in some areas to achieve this. The research, conducted by teams at the University of Oxford and Aarhus University in Denmark, observed 39 adults over 60 and 37 younger adults aged 18-25.

Music as a Tool for Understanding Brain Function
The researchers used music, particularly pieces inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach, to explore how memory and brain function change with age. By comparing MRI scans of participants while listening to both new and familiar music, the study found that older adults rely more on sensory brain regions, compensating for the reduced activity in memory-related areas.

Implications for Dementia Screening
This discovery suggests that aging brains adapt by shifting workload to different regions, highlighting that brain changes don’t always lead to decline. The findings could inform new methods for early dementia screening, offering valuable insights into how the brain compensates for age-related changes.