The Impact of Music on Memory

The Mystery of Musical Memory

Musical memory can survive even when areas of the brain associated with other forms of recall have been damaged by dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Research suggests musical memory is preserved in people with Alzheimer’s disease because it involves different anatomical brain networks. It’s partially independent of other memory systems and can remain intact while brain anatomy and cognitive functions are impaired.

• A study published in The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease found widespread increases in functional brain connectivity following music listening.
• A study in the International Journal of Neurorehabilitation found music that is individualized, or personally meaningful to an individual, has been found to evoke past memories, often helping the resident to feel calmer and more connected to other residents, staff, family and friends.
• Repeated exposure to music has positive effects. In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, a structured listening program comprising long-known music has been shown to change functional brain connectivity. Further, neuroimaging of people without disease suggests music exposure also creates functional connectivity changes in areas involved in cognition.
• Another study published in the Gerontologist found singing and music listening improved mood, orientation, and episodic memory as well as attention, executive function and general cognition. Singing was also found to enhance short-term and working memory.
• A study in Brain: A Journal of Neurology describes how musical memory is preserved in Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
• A study published in the Journal of Aging and Mental Health found that people with dementia experienced increased levels of cooperation, interaction and conversation as well as decreased levels of agitation and anti-social behavior when attending live music concerts.
• According to a study in Dementia and Neuropsychologia, musical memory may be partially preserved in people with Alzheimer’s disease since musical memory involves different anatomical brain networks

• Interview your loved one about music they like. You may remember songs your loved one used to listen to, and that’s a great place to start. Ask your loved one to tell you more about the music they associate with happy times in their life. If it’s hard for them to tell you, do a little investigating with other friends and family members.
• Choose the right place and time. Research published in Dementia & Neuropsychologia referred to music as an “island of preservation” for those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Limit outside noise and distractions and avoid playing music with commercial interruptions. Choose a time of day when you think your loved one may be most receptive and give them the choice of wearing headphones or not.
• Involve yourself—and others. Listening to music together can go a long way in reducing your own stress. As you realize it’s not too late to make special memories, you may find yourself enjoying your loved one’s company more than you have in a long time. Encourage friends and family members to join in, if your loved one is open to it.
• Let the music move you. If your loved one taps their feet, claps, or sings along with music therapy—it’s working. Don’t be afraid to try to join in and see how your loved one reacts. Many assisted living facilities achieve good results with group singalongs.

Consider seeking the advice of a memory care community such as Serenades Memory Care to help you through the process.

“Music can help us remember something long forgotten, feel a joyous emotion or simply recognize the sensation of a memory.”
―Julie Fernandez, CALA, CDP, CADDCT, CPT, Sonata Senior Living

A signature program offered by Sonata Senior Living, Duets draws from the science of music and dementia to develop a personalized music playlist for residents of Serenades Memory Care Communities. Through wireless headphones, residents can listen to their favorite songs during periods of agitation and anxiety. Music is also offered as a source of entertainment and a means of creating a safe space.

• Listening to music improves our spatial reasoning skills.
• Playing an instrument strengthens the areas of our brain that control our hearing, motor skills, and information storage.
• Learning to play an instrument improves problem-solving, enables multi-tasking, and even adds points to our IQs.
• Singing along improves mental ability, as measured by the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE).