Whether your style is the jazz age of Louis and Ella, the big
band swing of Benny Goodman, or the blues of the 40's that sprouted
into the rock 'n' roll oldies of the 50's, music amazingly becomes
the soundtrack of our lives.
Not only can music alter your mood and behavior, research has
shown it reduces stress, alleviates depression, and aids in
relaxation. What is even more impressive is music's ability to
improve our memory.
Throughout our lives we make emotional connections to music and
those connections live in the brain.
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Reminisce for a moment...
Can you remember the song that was playing during your first
kiss or the first dance at your wedding?
Maybe you smell hot dogs and remember the excitement of your
first Cubs game every time you hear "Take Me Out to the Ball
Game"?
Maybe you think of your anxious child dressed up and
stuttering over his lines in the school play when you hear "Silent
Night"?
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Music stimulates the areas of the brain that are involved with
emotion, association and long-term memory. Because musical sounds
hold our attention, we are able to take in more information in this
focused state. We are then able to store and recall the information
more effectively when we hear the music. The ability to make these
connections with music is the reason teachers utilize the alphabet
song with children to help them learn. Songs have a better success
rate.
The same is true for dementia patients. Playing music that is
linked to emotions and personal experiences can unlock memories you
might have thought were lost long ago. In some cases music can even
assist with recognition. I often sing "A Bushel and a Peck" when I
hug my grandmother because she always sang it to me when I was a
child. It usually sparks those memories and provides a good
conversation of that time period. As her dementia advances, those
moments are very special to me.
Start showering your loved ones with their favorite music and
begin making new music connections with them. The next time you
have a bad day, put on music to change your mood. Dig out those old
records, tapes and CDs to help jog your memory about the wonderful
moments in your life. You'll be amazed at what you and your loved
ones can recall.
Happy Listening!
Carrie Robertson
Research & Community Education
Chicago Senior Living
Nursing Homes in Chicago