ObjectiveSinging activities are recognized as effective means of promoting healthy and enjoyable living, and are actively applied in music therapy. In Japan, where the elderly population is rapidly increasing, dementia cases are projected to rise from 9.64 million in 2020 to 28.28 million by 2070. Current recommendations emphasize the combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, including music therapy. To apply non-pharmacological approaches, establishing scientific evidence for the usefulness of such interventions is essential. Even after the onset of dementia, individuals have the right to maintain quality of life and engage in human-centered activities. Singing familiar popular songs from youth or children’s songs learned in early education is widely considered beneficial for older adults with dementia. This study investigated brain activity during singing and compared responses between people with and without dementia.MethodParticipants included five older adults with moderate dementia living in care facilities (mean age: 85)and five non-demented older adults living independently (mean age: 80). A crossover design was implemented to compare the effectiveness of each genre. Participants sang both popular songs (“Blue Mountain Range,” “Apple Song,” “Sukiyaki/Walk While Looking Up”) and children’s songs (“Red Dragonfly,” “Seven Baby Crows,” “Soap Bubbles”) in randomized order, with 30-second rests after each piece. Each session lasted about 10 minutes. EEG was measured during singing and rest, and brain activity was evaluated by analyzing alpha (8-13 Hz) and beta (20-25 Hz) waves using a portable EEG/ECG device.AnalysisAmong dementia patients, alpha wave activity—an indicator of relaxation—tended to decrease during children’s songs, while popular songs elicited diverse responses depending on the piece. Only popular songs showed variation in both alpha occurrence and peak frequency, suggesting they provide stronger or more individualized neural stimulation. Such differences may reflect personal preferences, with songs that are liked or disliked producing distinct patterns. These findings suggest that music from one’s youth has a lasting influence throughout life, even in people with dementia. Comparable trends are expected in non-demented older adults, and cross-group comparisons may provide further insights. This study underscores the importance of clarifying the scientific basis for musical approaches in elderly care and examining their long-term effects.