The Power of Music on the Mind

Do you ever get a flood of memories that pour into your mind as you listen to a song? It is a very common feeling. More and more data has been released on the effects of music and the brain, specifically involving memory. Research has shown specific neural activity occurs when you are listening to music in sections of the brain involving creativity, movement, and emotions. It has even brought into existence a new type of cognitive therapy, specifically for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

The effects of diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s can first be seen in the hippocampus, the part of the brain that deals with memory. Recent studies have shown that when you listen to music, the hippocampus becomes very active in response to the musical pulses. It can help patients recall memories that are associated with a particular song or genre of music. And not just with past memories, new ones as well. Listening to music can help a patient suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia retain information given to them, such as when to take meds or when to eat.

It is important to know how to properly practice music therapy. There are some specific techniques used not only to help recall lost memories, but to soothe any outburst or violent episodes a patient may have.

Techniques include:

• Listening to the patient’s favorite music from their past
• If possible, dancing
• Encouraging patients to play instruments if they have in the past
• Using music when walking to improve balance
• Playing familiar music at night to reduce behavior issues
• Using dramatized facial expressions to convey emotions when listening to music

If you believe you or someone you know could benefit from music memory therapy, or have questions about how music therapy could help you, call Encore at Avalon Park at 407-270-7500 for more information.