“Music can lift us out of depression or move us to tears- it’s a remedy, a tonic, orange juice for the ear. But for many of my neurological patients, music is even more–it can provide access, even when no medication can, to movement, to speech, to life. For them, music is not a luxury, but a necessity.” -Oliver Sacks, neurology professor, best-selling author, and physician
Music is shown to help with mood, cognition, and motor function. In fact, multiple areas of the brain are engaged when we listen to and/or create music, including auditory cortex, prefrontal cortex, motor cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus.
Specifically, for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, familiar tunes can help them recall past experiences as well as enhance cognitive function. According to research, this is due to the connection between music and the hippocampus. Neuroscience News reports, “Music has a unique link to our memories. An old song can transport us back to a specific place and time, evoking vivid emotions.”
Music is often used as a therapeutic tool as it releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. To put it simply, it makes us feel good. Research has revealed music therapy has shown promise in treating a variety of conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, depression, stroke, and brain injuries.
In addition, the relaxing properties also help individuals with chronic pain, insomnia, stress, and anxiety. In fact, some music is designed for deep relaxation using specific frequencies and binaural beats.
Lastly, does musical genre matter? Below is a list of different types of music and their benefits:
- Classical: can enhance dopamine secretion and synaptic function, learning, and memory
- Rap: can stimulate emotion, language, motivation, motor function, and processing
- Jazz: can soothe the body
- Heavy Metal: can elicit a sense of identity and a knack for community development
- Pop/Rock: can improve endurance and enhances physical performance
It is a fact: Music shows promise for helping to heal the brain.
Michelle Blose, PsyD
Neuropsychology, Post-Doctoral Fellow
NJ Permit: TP# 203-032