Music is a proven and powerful way to regulate our mood and help us feel better. Because music is strongly connected to pleasure, it can trigger biological and physiological responses associated with our brain's reward center, similar to the power of food and money. It can also help us regulate our autonomic nervous system, which controls heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. Beyond these benefits, emerging research shows that music can play a pivotal role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Music and the Brain
Music is now considered an evidence-based intervention for people with Alzheimer's disease. It has the power to improve behavior and cognition. Best of all, music has the ability (not yet fully explained by science) to reach a part of the brain that is untouched by the ravages of Alzheimer's disease. In this way, music sparks long-forgotten episodic memories and joy.
Learn More: Alive Inside Documentary
In my post-grad research on Alzheimer's disease, I was introduced to an amazing 2014 documentary, Alive Inside: The Story of Music and Memory. This film explores the way in which music can lift our spirits and uncover the deepest parts of our humanity. Even if you don't have time for the film, watch the trailer for a glimpse at the profound and powerful effect music can have on all of us.
“It’s not just the music. It is the way that music helps us connect with another person that is so beautiful and liberating.”