<!-- MAIN BLOG CONTENT -->WASHINGTON, 2021-08-02 12:00:00
Music’s Unexpected Powerhouse
Music isn’t just for your ears; it’s a powerful tool for your brain and overall health.
- Music can lower stress levels and improve mood.
- It has the ability to boost the immune system.
- Music can unlock memories and improve cognitive function.
Fresh out of graduate school, a pivotal moment at the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center (DC VAMC) changed my perspective. A music and movement therapist, formerly a professional dancer, was working with a dementia group. The residents, each in their own introverted world, became connected when the therapist put on music. One gentleman stood up and began waltzing with the therapist, and as soon as the song ended, he returned to his seat, seemingly disconnected once more. This experience underscored the brain’s strong association with music and it’s immense impact on our well-being.
Music and the Brain’s Symphony
Few activities stimulate the brain in the way that music does, traveling along different pathways than othre forms of dialog. As Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, “music is the universal language of mankind,” a quote that resonates with manny licensed clinical psychologists. Music can have a tremendous impact on healthy aging, especially concerning a person’s cognitive health. It offers meaningful positive health effects physically and emotionally, even for the elderly.
Did you know?-Music therapy is a recognized healthcare profession. Board-certified music therapists use evidence-based music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship.
A Medicine Chest Without Side Effects
Music can be the best medicine, offering benefits without the side effects of traditional medications. It has the proven ability to lower stress (cortisol) levels, change and improve mood, increase levels of motivation and productivity, and connect us socially. Research also shows that music has the power to lower blood pressure, decrease anxiety, reduce our perception of pain, and improve sleep quality, mood, alertness level, and memory. Furthermore, listening to and playing music increases the body’s production of the antibody immunoglobulin A and natural killer cells, which attack invading viruses and boost the immune system’s effectiveness.
Even for the young and healthy, a “memory playlist” can be beneficial for long-term cognitive health. To create one,explore songs from different times in your life and select those that resonate with specific memories.
Pro tip:-When creating a memory playlist, consider including songs associated with significant life events, such as weddings, graduations, or memorable vacations. These tunes can evoke powerful and positive emotions.
It’s also important to listen to new music and styles outside your typical choices. This introduces cognitive challenges that familiar music doesn’t, forcing your brain to work to understand new sounds and rhythms.
The cognitive Dance of Music
The human brain has a deep connection to music, engaging in unique and powerful ways and providing a “workout” unlike any other activity.Music is complex, tapping into memory and the brain in a way that few other things can.
The ability to listen to rhythm and identify patterns within music requires skills different from almost any other activity. As a researcher at Johns Hopkins University noted, “music is structural, mathematical and architectural. It’s based on relationships between one note and the next. You may not be aware of it, but your brain has to do a lot of computing to make sense of it.”
Melodies and Memory
music has a powerful impact on memory and can trigger strong emotional reactions. For seniors, even those with cognitive challenges and deficits, music can unlock memories in ways other methods cannot. Music can also improve cognitive processing speed. Research suggests that listening to or singing songs can provide emotional and behavioral benefits for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
Musical memories are frequently enough preserved in Alzheimer’s disease as the key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged. In these patients, music can relieve stress and reduce anxiety, depression, and agitation. Similar benefits are seen in stroke patients; music therapy aids through mood regulation, improved concentration, and changes in the brain to improve function (neural reorganization). Music can even result in physical benefits including improved arm function and gait.
Reader question:-What are some of your favorite songs that evoke strong memories,and how do they make you feel?
Music and the Aging Population
though music is beneficial for all ages,it’s often overlooked as a tool for the aging population.Music can definitely help recall iconic memories,which is incredibly beneficial for brain health. several apps and programs allow seniors to test out a new instrument, such as the piano. Giving residents in long-term care facilities the opportunity to learn something new can help with boredom and isolation challenges, as well as improve brain function.
The incorporation of music in residents’ everyday activities can vary across long-term care facilities. Some activity directors played music for residents even during the pandemic when musical guests weren’t allowed.Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided in the U.S., many facilities are bringing back musical performances for their residents.
Playing music during other activities-such as puzzles or manicures-can even have a positive impact on resident happiness, engagement, and cognitive health.
Music’s Role for Seniors
To increase seniors’ exposure to music, organizations like Music & Memory help facilitate access to music for seniors in nursing homes. Ther are also ways to volunteer and donate so that seniors-particularly those who are low-income and can’t afford to make purchases-have increased access to music through smartphones, tablets, or radios.
References
-
Music therapy helps stroke patients, Science Daily, Mar 2020.
-
Music and Memory. https://musicandmemory.org
<!-- MAIN BLOG CONTENT END -->
<!-- DETAIL REVIEW NOTES -->
Beyond the Melody: Practical Applications of Music
While music’s influence on the brain is profound, how can we harness its power in everyday settings? Incorporating music therapy or personalized listening experiences can drastically improve cognitive function, mood, and quality of life. Let’s explore some tangible ways too make music a consistent part of your (or a loved one’s) routine.
Music in Daily Life: A Practical Guide
- Create Personalized Playlists: Tailor playlists to specific moods or activities. Upbeat music for workouts, calming tunes for relaxation, or nostalgic songs to spark memories.
- Embrace Music Therapy: Consider consulting a certified music therapist. They use music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. These therapists are trained to use a variety of techniques, including playing instruments, singing, and songwriting, to help patients achieve their therapeutic goals.
- Integrate Music During Activities: Play background music during tasks like cooking, reading, or even work. music can enhance focus, reduce stress, and make everyday activities more enjoyable.
- Explore New Genres: step outside your comfort zone and discover new musical styles. Doing this stimulates the brain and exposes you to different rhythms and melodies. This is meaningful for maintaining cognitive flexibility.
Is music therapy effective? The answer is a resounding yes, but onyl when delivered by professionals. Board-certified music therapists use specialized techniques to improve patients’ emotional well-being.
Can music help with anxiety? Absolutely! Listening to music can reduce anxiety by triggering the release of endorphins and other neurochemicals that fight stress.
Case Study: The Power of a Tune
Consider the experience of Sarah, a former librarian diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s. She was experiencing significant memory loss and social withdrawal. Her family started incorporating music therapy sessions and created a personalized playlist of songs from her youth. Almost immediately, Sarah showed improved engagement and interaction. She started singing along to familiar tunes which has helped her recall memories. Her overall mood improved as she was less likely to withdraw and more connected to her loved ones.
This is just one example of how music can affect those with Alzheimer’s.The use of music could significantly improve one’s quality of life. Even simple acts, like playing a loved one’s favorite music, can boost their mood and foster emotional connection.
Music and Cognitive Health: Myths vs.Facts
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Music is only beneficial for those with musical training. | Anyone can enjoy the benefits of music, regardless of their musical background. Listening to music, even casually, can have a positive impact. |
| Music therapy is only for people with severe mental health issues. | Music therapy is a versatile treatment used for a wide range of conditions: physical disabilities, emotional disorders, and cognitive impairments. |
| The type of music doesn’t matter. | Different genres and styles can elicit different emotional and physiological responses. Choosing music that resonates with the individual is key for desired outcomes. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about music’s role in health and well-being:
-
Can music really improve memory?
Yes! Music can activate multiple areas of the brain, especially those associated with memory, helping to unlock and preserve memories, especially in individuals with cognitive decline.
-
Is music therapy only for seniors?
No, music therapy benefits individuals of all ages. Research supports its use in various populations, including children, adolescents, and adults. It is often used in hospitals, schools, and private practices.
-
How do I find a qualified music therapist?
Contact the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) or the American Music Therapy association (AMTA) to search for board-certified music therapists in your area.
-
What kind of music is “best” for mental health?
The “best” music is subjective and depends on individual preferences and needs. Songs that are personalized and evoke positive memories often help boost mood.
Table of Contents
