Music improves depression, anxiety and memory, with greater benefits in older adults and patients

A meta-analysis found that listening to music and music therapy reduced anxiety and depression in adults, with effect sizes of 0.41 and 0.36, respectively, while improving memory. Published in Frontiers in Psychology, the study analyzed 32 clinical studies and found greater effects among older adults and clinical patients. Because music has few adverse effects and is relatively inexpensive, it is expected to be more widely incorporated into elder care and neurorehabilitation programs.