I'm a huge proponent of music. I've played instruments for 63 years, self-taught. I don't know of a single person who regrets having learned how to play. I'd say that it does help with cognition, but there are additional benefits. It also helps with depression and self-esteem.

Sticking with it is always the biggest issue. A lot of folks that I've taught often walk in having already set unrealistic goals for themselves, which can result in undue self-disappointment, and they quit. I try to lay out a new perspective for them. Music isn't some type of destination, it's a journey, and the journey IS the destination. Proficiency will come with time. With just a little proficiency, curiosity can take over. What you learn through curiosity really sticks. I'd call that cognitive improvement.

I'm still learning after 63 years. I started with my dad's guitar, playing along with records, asking myself "How is he doing that?". I'd conquer it and move on to the next puzzle. I've ruined all my records resetting that tone arm over and over, learning one note at a time, one chord at a time, one song at a time. Nowadays you can find anything you want to learn laid out for you on YouTube. It makes it so much easier.

Surprisingly, you don't necessarily need to learn theory before you pick up an instrument. I did exactly the opposite. I encourage you to try. Give it just fifteen minutes a day. You can do this. You will be rewarded for your perseverance. If nothing else, it will swing your focus away from epilepsy for a few blessed moments. Quite possibly it will make you smile. Play to please yourself. It's a reachable goal, and beneficial.

Thanks EricRabior for your encouragement. I will try.