Music has always played a significant role in my life.
Given my personal experience with my mom’s dementia, I’ve developed a deep interest in brain health and its connections to various aspects of our lives. Recently, I came across an intriguing article from the NIH that sheds light on this topic, and I wanted to share it with you.
Many of us have friends or family in nursing care facilities or assisted living centers, which could benefit them.
We all have memorable songs that ease our stress after a long day or get us moving on the dance floor.
But music’s influence extends beyond just lifting our spirits; it also serves as a potent gateway to our memories. A familiar tune from our past can evoke vivid memories and stir powerful emotions.
I would think right now, you can remember songs that have a special meaning in your life.
The question arises:
What happens in our brains when we listen to music that holds personal significance? Can music enhance our mood and contribute to better health as we age? While more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions, increasing scientific interest is in exploring how music impacts brain function and overall well-being in older adults.
Interestingly, the tempo (beats per minute) also has an effect. So does listening to songs without lyrics versus songs with lyrics.
Years ago, my nephew was in a severe auto accident and was not expected to live.
For three months, he was in a coma in the ICU, and we always had his favorite music playing! Any guesses? Country Western, ha! Of course, without a doubt, the extraordinary medical care he was given and the many prayers that were sent up on his behalf helped him recover. However, we still felt that keeping his music playing benefited him, too. So, it will be interesting to keep following the studies being shared now.
This NIH article delves into these fascinating questions and underscores the potential benefits of music for cognitive and emotional health.
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