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How Music Improves Memory

How Music Improves Memory

Whether it is rock, pop, classical, or heavy metal, music is an avenue for people all over the world to express themselves. Moreover, music can help listeners remember past events, improve their memory, and even improve their concentration. Harvard Health reports that listening to and performing music activates brain areas associated with memory, reasoning, speech, and emotion. The importance of this is even greater for older individuals, because as our bodies age, so do our minds. 

Music exercises the brain, and many studies have shown that music and memory are closely related. According to a John Hopkins psychologist, "There are few things that stimulate the brain like music. If you want to keep your brain engaged throughout the aging process, listening to or playing music is a great tool. It provides a total brain workout.”

Although listening to genres like rap and hip hop provides serotonin to the body, these genres aren't exactly stimulating to the brain. Classical music is most effective for memory retention and can even improve the memory of those who have dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, classical music helps fire off synapses, which re-energizes previously dormant brain pathways. Listening to music in a peaceful or joyful environment also helps to save that moment as a memento.

Classical is the way to go

Here are a few classical songs that have been proven to help memory retention.

Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata (I)

There's a reason why this song is one of Beethoven's most beloved pieces. This piece is very hypnotic and calming, helping the listener relax and reflect.

The soundtrack to A Beautiful Mind by James Horner

'A Beautiful Mind' tells the story of a social mathematician whose life changes drastically. The soundtrack is very calming, with most of the songs sounding like lullabies. Additionally, they are thought-provoking, which can bring back old memories.

Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.23

Mozart's music may make your baby smarter if you play it during the early years of their lives, but it can also help seniors. With its rising melodies and balanced rhythms, this classical piece is sure to soothe the mind.

Time from the film Inception 

The film Inception is about dream-hopping and the terror that can result from it. Hans Zimmer's song Time is the main theme of the film. Although the film is captivating and jumps around a lot, Time is a slower melody that allows for peace and reflection.

Bach’s Goldberg Variations

Johann Bach created many classical masterpieces during his lifetime. Music from his Goldberg Variation series is filled with upbeat classical tunes that will bring back positive memories. Even listening to one song in this series could trigger memories that seniors didn't know they had.

Music for life

Classical masterpieces like these can trigger lost memories or strengthen pre-existing ones. Music of other genres can also help build memories, but classical music has been shown to have the greatest impact. Music helps create a peaceful and comfortable home. 

With Visiting Angels Farmington, MO caregivers, your aging loved one can maintain a comfortable home environment. We can assist with tasks such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, and errands. Our caregivers are also trained to assist with personal care responsibilities such as bathing, dressing, medication reminders and more. To learn more about our home care services for seniors living in Iron, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Perry, and Cape Girardeau Counties and Surrounding Areas please call us at 573-664-1722.

Serving Iron, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Perry, and Cape Girardeau Counties and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels FARMINGTON/CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO
1276 W Liberty St
Farmington, MO 63640
Phone: 573-664-1722

Serving Iron, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Perry, and Cape Girardeau Counties and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels FARMINGTON/CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO
1276 W Liberty St
Farmington, MO 63640
Phone: 573-664-1722