Music can give the brain a mental workout that is particularly helpful for improving memory. As a caregiver of someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s, understanding how music exercise works is key for providing proper care! If we were to compare the physical effort of exercise compared to different types of music participation, this would be how I break it down.
Music that is not annoying to the listener
This type of music stimulates all areas of the brain to make sense of what we are hearing. The brain is processing emotion, language, speech, timbre, tempo, melody, dynamics and more.
If we were to compare this to a physical workout, it would be the equivalent of going for a walk. It gets the blood and oxygen going and prevents the muscles from getting stiff. It is always recommended to get some kind of movement in every day to keep the body supple, and the same is true for the brain. It’s extremely good to keep the brain stimulated and at times challenged, like when we listen to music.
Listening to familiar music that the listener loves
This is where the brain gets really excited. The brain loves to anticipate and when we listen to a song we love, it rewards itself for anticipating correctly, which releases dopamine in the brain. Brain scans (fMRI) have also shown an increase in blood flow in the brain when we listen to songs we love.
If we were to compare this to a physical workout it would be the equivalent of doing a Pilates session. It’s hard and requires that we push ourselves, but we feel wonderful afterward. The same is true with this type of music listening. While it is one of the most demanding and complex processes for our brain, it rewards itself immediately with the release of dopamine, which is beneficial for short-term memory and bodily function, but it also provides a sensation of joy, motivation and pleasure.
Listening to complex music
A complex song is one that has a lot of moving parts and variations in the structure, making it hard for the brain to anticipate. Think of Free Jazz or an intricate Orchestral arrangement. It requires practise for the brain to adapt to this type of music listening but when it does, it is incredibly rewarding. When the brain is challenged it is creating new neural connections and pathways (Neuroplasticity) which keeps the mind very active.
If we were to compare this to a physical workout it would be the equivalent of a CrossFit workout. It's hard to learn and do well and we need to continue to practise. The moment we stop - it's really hard to get back into. Like CrossFit - listening to complex music is not for everyone!
It is important to note that this all depends on each person’s unique music taste and how often they incorporate music in their daily routine. We say “the more, the better” but it’s important to understand what the right music is for the person you care for.