St Barnabas Gibsonia

Whether its taking you back to a certain point in your life, matching your mood or uplifting your spirits, music holds a very special power. Listening to music is often profoundly linked to personal memories.Music requires little to no cognitive or mental processing and instead is influenced by the motor center of the brain. Memories of a certain event or a personal milestone can be triggered by the music or song that the person associated with that moment in time.Music has the ability to calm frenzied brain activity, which enables the listener to focus on the present moment and regain an interpersonal connection with others.For those living with Alzheimers, dementia and even Parkinsons disease, music has the ability to bridge the gap between that person and his or her emotions. Whether its a swinging of the arms, a hug or a kiss, or gentle rocking or patting to the beat of the melody, listening to music can help connect patients and caregivers in a way thats otherwise impossible.Music and memory: three ways music can boost brain activity.Music is emotional Music can tap into a deep emotional recall. Pairing music with every day activities can help a person recall specific memories. This in turn can help improve cognitive ability.Music is engaging Music paired with singing activates multiple areas of the brain, causing stimulation and the utilization of more mind power than usual.Music is happiness Music has the power to shift a persons mood, manage stress-induced agitation, facilitate cognitive function and coordinate motor movements.Editors Note: This article was authored by Joseph C. Maroon, MD, FACS, Neurosurgeon, Author, Sports Medicine and Healthy Living Expert Consultant at St. Barnabas Health System, StBarnabasHealthSystem.com.