We know music can do wonders for the soul... Here's what
scientists are now saying about music and its cognitive benefits...
How many of us can hear a song we haven't heard in over a decade, and recount every word? However, on the contrary, we can lose our keys daily or forget what we wanted to do only moments after walking into a room. How many times have you had a song stuck in your head all day?
According to a recent study by the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function at Beth Abraham Family of Health Services in New York. Researchers have found a strong connection between the human brain's auditory cortex and its limbic system where emotions are processed. "This biological link makes it possible for sound to be processed almost immediately by the areas of the brain that are associated with long-term memory and the emotions".
How many of us can hear a song we haven't heard in over a decade, and recount every word? However, on the contrary, we can lose our keys daily or forget what we wanted to do only moments after walking into a room. How many times have you had a song stuck in your head all day?
According to a recent study by the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function at Beth Abraham Family of Health Services in New York. Researchers have found a strong connection between the human brain's auditory cortex and its limbic system where emotions are processed. "This biological link makes it possible for sound to be processed almost immediately by the areas of the brain that are associated with long-term memory and the emotions".
Music is one of the only activities in life that engages all neurological functions on both sides of the brain...
After introducing a different kind of dementia therapy involving music, Concetta Tomaino, DA, a certified music therapist and director of the Institute said, "Why it's so positive is that we process music with almost every part of our brain". She says, “Music that has personal significance to someone or is connected with historical events is a strong stimulus to engage responses in people. The responses are evident even in the late stages of dementia".
In addition, recent research by Brenda Hanna-Pladdy, assistant professor of neurology at Emory University suggests the cognitive benefits of instrumental training can last a lifetime. The promising study suggested that playing music could possibly help prevent dementia. Her theory being that when people have had musical instrumental training the experience provides cognitive benefits that have an everlasting effect on a person's life. Her studies were published in 2011 in the Journal Of Neuropsychology.
Caregivers of patients with dementia are faced with different challenges. From dealing with painful emotions, including: anger, guilt and remorse.Music may become an integral part of your daily routine that can be a positive experience for both the caregiver and your loved one.
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