Music has long captured the attention of neurologists, especially for its potential to improve memory in people with diseases that cause progressive memory loss, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. But can it really help? And can it even be beneficial for prevention?
In a study done by the University of Utah School of Medicine, researchers used fMRIs (functional magnetic resonance imaging, a brain scanning technique that measures activity by detecting changes in blood flow) to see that listening to personally meaningful songs in Alzheimer’s patients actually activated their visual, salience, executive, cerebellar, and corticocerebellar networks. This showed higher functional connectivity than simply sitting in silence. From this study, we can see that music programs can actively engage the brain, and personally meaningful music is a way to communicate with patients with Alzheimer’s. The activation of several brain areas during music listening could also help delay the decline caused by the disease.
Nostalgic music also engages many parts of the brain, specifically the default mode network, which is linked to memory, self-reflection, and reward circuitry. Using fMRI to monitor participants’ brain activity, researchers uncovered a neural signature that could explain music’s ability to evoke vivid autobiographical memories. This is a promising path for improving the quality of life for those with memory loss (USC Brain and Creativity Institute).
Another study at Georgia Tech asked students to listen to movie soundtracks while recalling a memory. This allowed researchers to see if music could modulate the emotional level of their memories. Sure enough, it did. Music caused participants’ memories to match the emotional tone of the music—and the effect was lasting. When asked the next day, the same emotion was still tied to the memory.
In a second study at Georgia Tech, 48 participants were asked to learn sequences of abstract shapes while listening to different types of music. Researcher Yiren Ren played a piece of music in a traditional, familiar pattern of tone, rhythm, and melody; for example, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in its original form. Then participants repeated the task while the music was played out of order. The conclusion? Participants learned the sequences faster when listening to familiar music rather than the irregular version. Their brains were able to create a framework for the new information, building on what they already knew.
Music processing in general has been considered relatively spared by the neurodegenerative effects of Alzheimer’s disease. This was confirmed in multiple studies, including this one here. Alzheimer’s patients were presented with lyrics of unfamiliar children’s songs, either sung or spoken. The results showed that patients recognized the songs much better when sung rather than spoken. As a control, a group of healthy adults performed the same task and showed no difference. Patients with Alzheimer’s tend to remember or learn music better than other types of information. This could be a pivotal turning point in the hopes of slowing down the degenerative effects of Alzheimer’s. The study goes much further into the specific brain effects, but for now, I’ll leave it here.
Music isn’t just entertainment; it’s a powerful tool for memory, emotion, and connection. For patients with memory loss and for anyone looking to keep their mind sharp, music may be more than just a soundtrack; it could be a pathway to a stronger, healthier brain.
