The relationship between music and memory is strong. Music evokes powerful emotions that then bring back memories. When we listen to a piece of music from years ago, we seem to travel back to that moment. We can feel everything as if we were there.
Our long-term memory can be divided into two distinct types, namely implicit and explicit memory. Clear memory is a deliberate, conscious memory of the past. It includes things like textbook learning or experimental memories, things that need to be consciously raised.
Implicit memories are our unconscious and automatic memories. For example, when we play a musical instrument, or when we sing the words of a song, when someone remembers the first words. A large part of memory takes place in the unconscious mind.
Explicit memory fades in the absence of recall / repetition, while implicit memory is more stable and can last a lifetime even in the absence of further practice. Explicit memory systems are damaged by conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Implicit memory can be formed by passively listening to background music. We may even develop a preference for certain pieces of music simply because they are constantly played in the background. This psychological phenomenon is known as the simple effect of exposure . People tend to like what is most popular.
Implicit memory is a form of classical conditioning. An event, an emotion and a song are linked through implicit memory. When a piece of music is accompanied by a very emotional event, it can be an effective suggestion to bring back the strong emotion that was felt in that moment. For example, the song "Candle in the Wind" is often associated with Princess Diana because Elton John played her at her funeral.
Memories stimulated by music often come from certain periods of our lives. Most people tend to report too many memories from the time they were 10 to 30 years old (Jakubowski et al, 2021). Psychologists have called it a "memory crash . "
Music is one of the few ways to penetrate the Alzheimer's brain. Those suffering from dementia can get vivid memories by listening to songs they heard when they were young. Despite profound memory loss and even loss of knowledge of who they are, demented individuals often show an extraordinary memory for music. Research shows that self-selected music can evoke positive memories in them. This example is enough to explain the power that music has on memory.
In short, music can help unlock non-musical memories and promote communication in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease. Remembering is not always easy, but it is easier if there is a song for that moment. Listening to a piece of music that has been played a lot during an important life event, such as a wedding or funeral, can trigger a nostalgic emotional experience.
Source: Psychology Today
