The healing power of music evokes memories for every age
Animated illustration by Molly McCammon
by Dr. Nsisong Asanga
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Imagine this: you are going through a busy day, lying in bed, or having a few moments in the sun when a tune from your kindergarten years begins to play nearby. In a flash, you find yourself transported decades and miles away to another time and place. You can see your preschool teacher's face, the colorful classroom walls, and almost taste the lemonade from a distant memory. That's an everyday example of how powerfully music can evoke memories. And now scientists are studying the link more closely.
The connection between music and the many memories it can bring flooding back is called musical memory. Musical memory is widely known in the medical community, but scientists are still studying just how it works — and how we can fully harness its powers.
A recent study by researchers in the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Columbia University showed that by using music to alter emotions, the researchers could help create separate and durable memories in the participants' minds. By playing specially chosen musical tunes during tasks, they were able to manipulate the emotions of participants, making them easier to recall.
This development is promising for the treatment of conditions like depression and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD, CPTSD when the trauma is complex). It shows that emotionally dynamic music can help treat various issues and improve memory organization.
“Music can activate almost all brain regions and networks (more than language) and can trigger the most specific of memories instantaneously,” says Gillian Cunnison, a music therapist and the author of The Power of Music Therapy.
Music can help brain function in older adults
Another small study among older adults testing the effects of music on brain function found music improved their memory and gray matter. By following the older adults over six months, the researchers observed that those who actively listened to music and made music had less of the brain shrinking usually accompanied by age. They also noted improvements in sleep.
Other studies have shown that music also has benefits for people living with dementia. Dementia is a chronic progressive condition marked by worsening intellectual function, especially in regard to memory and abstract thinking, that is caused by organic brain disease. Since memory loss is a major part of the condition, any tools to help preserve memory are useful.
However, the research findings for the effectiveness of music on preserving memory in people with dementia are mixed. This is probably because participants may be at different stages of the condition, and the types of musical interventions used may vary. Some researchers noted that more study was needed to determine the best types of music and the stages of dementia where they might be constructively applied.
Researchers in Australia found that choir singing was a clinically relevant activity for people in a care home. They found that singing among others in a choir setting reduced depressive symptoms without any unwanted effects across the 20 care homes studied.
Another large study of existing evidence found that music does improve brian function for people with dementia. Music also improved their quality of life and reduced their risk of long-term depression.
"Music is a point of connection for many people with dementia," says Dr Grace Eneh, a physician and consultant neurologist. "We see people with dementia light up and sing or dance passionately to music they know, even when they may not recognise their loved ones," she adds.
Music helps learning and social skills in children
The alphabet and the days-of-the-month songs are common examples of how music helps us remember things we are taught, even as children. Science shows music helps children focus their attention on tasks and avoid distractions. Moreover, science also shows music affects children's behavior, helping them act in more social ways and develop their social skills.
How can music improve your well-being?
As scientists keep studying the powerful effects of music on our lives, here are some ways you can apply what we already know in your everyday life.
Visit Playlist for Life and create a playlist for yourself for three different types of music. You can consider themes such as happy, reflective, and calming.
Visit musicandmemory.org, where you can create a playlist for a loved one living with dementia.
Enjoy these TED Talks about music and what it does to your brain: “Between Music and Medicine” by Robert Gupta, “The rhythm and rhyme of memory, solitude and community” by Rosanne Cash, “How playing an instrument benefits your brain” by Anita Collins
As more is revealed about the power of music to restore and revive our minds and memories, we will be able to use that knowledge to help people. This knowledge will help people with conditions like depression, PTSD, and dementia while also utilizing this link to enhance our own brain powers. In the meantime, we can continue to enjoy music as true food for the mind, body, and soul.
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Aaron Sacco