Understanding the Power of Music: Insights from WIRED's "How Does Music Affect Your Brain?”

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the approximately 50 million people worldwide living with dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease representing 60-70% of these cases. In light of this, I have explored research on music, the brain, and Alzheimer’s Disease. One of many valuable resources I found is the impactful video “How Does Music Affect Your Brain” by Wired, which effectively illustrates the relationship between music and brain function.

Discover the Profound Impact of Music on the Brain

Music is more than just a form of entertainment; it’s a powerful tool that has been proven to affect brain function, emotions, cognitive abilities and much more. In the insightful YouTube video "How Does Music Affect Your Brain?" by WIRED, viewers are introduced to the complex ways music engages the brain, offering potential benefits for mental health, rehabilitation, communication, and much more.

Understanding Music's Influence on Brain Activity

The video reveals that music activates multiple brain areas, engaging regions linked to emotions, memory, speech and motor skills. This comprehensive engagement challenges previous beliefs about music being processed only in the right hemisphere, showcasing its potential in aiding rehabilitation and emotional healing. Notably, neurologic music therapy has been instrumental for individuals like Gabrielle Giffords in regaining speech post-brain injury.

Music Training: A Gateway to Cognitive Development

Research highlighted in the video shows that music training can significantly enhance cognitive skills and social behavior, particularly in children. This training strengthens connections between brain hemispheres, fostering creativity and problem-solving abilities. These insights align with the services offered at Mewsic Moves, where we focus on cognitive, speech, and motor development through researched-based neurologic music therapy programs.

Emotional Resonance: The Unique Power of Music

Experiencing chills from music, or frisson (does anyone really know what this is? I didn’t! I pulled it from the video? lol #googlesearch), is a testament to music’s deep emotional engagement. The video explores how this response varies among individuals and how neurologic music therapy can leverage these emotional connections to promote healing. At Mewsic Moves, we tailor our individual and group sessions to harness these responses, addressing various needs from autism to anxiety.

Music Therapy in Los Angeles - Mewsic Moves

As we reflect on the insights shared in WIRED's "How Does Music Affect Your Brain?" and the profound impact music has on cognitive and emotional well-being, it's clear that music is a powerful ally in the journey toward mental health and rehabilitation. At Mewsic Moves, Los Angeles, we are dedicated to applying these evidenced-based interventions to create individualized music therapy programs that foster healing and growth.

Our therapy sessions are designed to enhance cognitive function, emotional resilience, communication development, motor development and social connection, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Our evidence-based approaches are tailored to meet you or your loved ones unique needs.

Join us at Mewsic Moves in Los Angeles to experience the transformative power of music therapy firsthand. We invite you to explore our services and discover how music can be a catalyst for positive change in you or your loved ones life.

Take the first step towards enhancing your physical and/or mental wellness through music therapy at Mewsic Moves Los Angeles.

Contact us today in this link for a free 15-minute consultation and see how Mewsic Moves can support you or your loved one.

Phone: 1-833-MEWSIC-1

Web: www.mewsicmoves.com

How is Music Therapy Beneficial For Those With Alzheimer’s?

Research has shown that music has a profound impact on the brain of individuals with Alzheimer’s, often eliciting positive responses and triggering various cognitive, emotional, behavioral and physiological effects. Some key ways in which music therapy can benefit those with Alzheimer’s include:

1. Memory recall

Music has the power to evoke memories and emotions, even in individuals with advanced Alzheimer's. Listening and playing familiar songs from their past can help stimulate memories and encourage reminiscence. Music has also been shown to improve memory retention and cognitive function, making it an effective tool for aiding in the learning and memorization of information which can assist in long and short term memory skills.

2. Cognitive stimulation

Engaging in musical activities such as singing, playing instruments, or rhythmic exercises can also stimulate cognitive functions, including attention, concentration, and executive function. Music can also help maintain cognitive abilities.

3. Delayed cognitive decline

While not a cure, some research has suggested that music therapy and music-based activities can potentially slow the progression of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.

4. Neuroplasticity

Engaging with music can promote neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. Learning to play a musical instrument or engaging in musical activities can stimulate the growth of new neural pathways, leading to improved brain function and cognitive abilities.

5. Emotional well-being

Music can have a calming and uplifting effect. It can also enhance mood and promote emotional well-being. Many studies have reported reductions in anxiety, depression, and agitation when individuals with Alzheimer's are engaged in music.

6. Enhanced communication

Music can serve as a means of non-verbal communication for individuals with Alzheimer's who may struggle with language. It can help caregivers and loved ones connect with and understand the person with Alzheimer's.

7. Stress reduction and relaxation

Music has the capacity to reduce stress, anxiety, agitation and restlessness by affecting the autonomic nervous system. Playing or listening to calming music can lower cortisol levels, reduce heart rate, and promote relaxation, which leads to a decrease in stress related symptoms. 

8. Promotion of physical well-being

Engaging in music-related activities such as rhythmic movements or dancing can promote physical well-being by encouraging movement and coordination. This can be particularly beneficial for maintaining motor skills and physical function in individuals with Alzheimer's.

9. Social interaction

Participating in group music therapy sessions provide opportunities for social engagement, which can help reduce feelings of isolation, depression and improve overall well-being for individuals with Alzheimer’s. At our organization, we offer a range of specialized programs designed to cater to various needs, including our Rock Band, Glee choir, and Social skills group therapy services. These programs are specifically crafted to foster connections, boost well-being, and provide a sense of belonging for participants.

10. Reduced reliance on medication

Some studies have indicated that the use of music therapy in Alzheimer's care can lead to a reduction in the use of psychotropic medications, which are often prescribed to manage behavioral symptoms. Music lowers cortisol as stated above which helps reduce anxiety or stress associated with Alzheimer’s.

11. Improved quality of life

Music therapy can enhance overall quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, bringing on a sense of joy, comfort, and connection, all of which increases overall enjoyment and pleasure in daily life. It also provides an avenue for self-expression and creativity, which can enhance feelings of fulfillment and contentment.

Bonus Benefit!

12. Caregiver support

As a marriage and family therapist, I especially love the additional benefits that music has on individual caregivers. When in session with an individual with Alzheimer’s, their partners, children, and or siblings frequently participate in the music sessions, either absorbing the melodies or actively engaging with the music. This involvement not only offers solace but also fosters a sense of empowerment, equipping them with new skills to assist their loved ones. Ultimately these sessions create enduring, delightful musical memories that they can cherish for a lifetime.

While music therapy has shown significant benefits for individuals with Alzheimer's, it is important to note that it is not a cure for the disease nor a substitute for medical treatment. It is typically used as a complementary approach to standard care, tailored to the individual’s specific needs and goals.

The impact of music therapy can differ depending on the individual, underscoring the importance of collaborating with a skilled music therapist capable of tailoring music therapy approaches to the specific needs and goals of those with Alzheimer’s. Some music therapists specialize in neurologic music therapy (NMT), making them particularly adept at working with individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other neurologic conditions. Their expertise and experience extends to understanding the intricate ways in which music influences the brain, including neuroplasticity and other neurological elements.

At Mewsic Moves we are dedicated to supporting families of those living with neurologic conditions such as Autism, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and more. All therapists at Mewsic Moves are trained and understand the application of music and how it affects the brain and those living with neurologic conditions. As a family first practice we are also dedicated to supporting the entire family with counseling and group support. Check out our musical minds programs which is a community based music therapy for those living with Alzheimer’s which includes their loved ones, partners, caregivers and more.

Check it out here: www.mewsicmoves.com/musical-minds

If someone you know is struggling with the progression of Alzheimer’s and needs additional support we offer a FREE 15 minute consultation and would love to chat with you and support your loved one. 

Schedule your FREE 15 minute consultation in the link below:

https://www.mewsicmoves.com/contact-us

John Mews, LMFT, NMT

Founder & Owner - Mewsic Moves

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #132572

Music Therapist

www.mewsicmoves.com