Most of us have certainly encountered the phenomenon where a beloved music conjures up a particular memory or even a period in our past. The majority of individuals might not think twice about this. It might make sense, similar to how a childhood item can bring up memories. Studies have revealed a significant relationship between music, emotion, and memory, one that may potentially benefit those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Music-related memory, on the other hand, has a significantly stronger effect.

Image source – https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/02/26/songs-music-memory-connection/

According to neurological studies, the brain’s medial prefrontal cortex serves as a hub for the connections between memory, emotion, and music. We also use this area to access general recollections of the past. This same region of the brain is among the longest-surviving when it comes to Alzheimer’s and dementia, which is an intriguing discovery that may help us tackle the symptoms of these illnesses.

This finding has made the best course of treatment for Alzheimer’s patients clear. Treatment providers are making MP3 playlists for patients with Alzheimer’s with the assistance of their friends, family, and the patient themselves. The goal is to locate songs from the patient’s history that are directly associated with significant events, such as marriage, the birth of children, moving into a new home, and so forth, in order to jog forgotten memories and bring them back for the patient. Although there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, this can significantly lessen the misery that both the sufferer and their family must endure.

It appears that listening to the correct music can help solitary people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease re-establish social connections and can either replace or enhance medications that may have unfavorable side effects. More studies on the connection between music and memory might hopefully result in similar discoveries down the road.

Reference – Beaver, K. (2023, September 19). The relationship between music and memory. Soundproof Cow. https://www.soundproofcow.com/relationship-music-memory/