Music and Memory

Conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other cognitive challenges can often impact one’s memory, thinking, behaviours, and personality, making daily tasks like cooking, playing games, or handling money difficult. Music and Memory (musicandmemory.org), founded twelve years ago, is a non-profit organization that studies the correlation between music and its impact on quality of life by fostering a non-pharmacological care approach. 

Many brain regions are active when music is being played. So why does this matter and how does it affect memory? Studies reflect that the several pathways activated by music can “open doors to the residents' memory vaults.” (Budson, 2020). As an extremely efficient organ, the brain strengthens neural pathways that are frequently used and weakens those that are not used as often. These networks explain why playing an instrument or speaking a second language can be particularly difficult, but rewarding. 

Music and Memory, 2024

For individuals living in assisted living establishments, care facilities, or aging at home, Music and Memory shows that favourite music or personalized playlists with familiar songs can provide a sense of comfort and reduce stress and anxiety.

As the organization grows, Music and Memory aims to utilize personalized music as a way to engage with the world, ease pain, and reconnect people. 

Written by Yashita Kaku