More evidence that musical training protects the brain

There have been many studies on the incredible benefits that can be achieved fom musical training. The "Mozart Affect" has been well documented. At the time of its release, some scientists question that theory, but over the years, new studies continue to prove it.

In one of the latest studies, scientists have found some of the strongest evidence yet that musical training in younger years can prevent the decay in speech listening skills in later life.

According to a new Canadian study led by the Rotman Research Institute (RRI) at Baycrest Health Sciences, older adults who had musical training in their youth were 20% faster in identifying speech sounds than their non-musician peers on speech identification tests, a benefit that has already been observed in young people with musical training.

The findings are published in The Journal of Neuroscience (Jan. 21).

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