MELODIES OF REMEMBRANCE: MUSIC, MEMORY, AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN RETIREMENT

Main Article Content

Woranad Intarot
Monthien Runghiran

Abstract

This review article is a combination of narrative literature review and narrative synthesis methods are used to uncover the complex connection between music and memory from the neuroscientific and psychological perspective. Specifically, the paper focuses on how music stimulates the process of neurogenesis, increases the plasticity of neurons, and helps establish connections between DMN and reward center in the brain. Also, MEAMs and the phenomenon of a reminiscence bump show how essential music is for recovering autobiographical memories developed in teenage years. In addition, the paper touches upon the topic of using music therapy in geriatrics and analyzes the benefits of applying music therapy in elderly people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia since it can help to alleviate depression, reduce stress levels, and maintain identity.


 

Article Details

Section
บทความวิจัย

References

Baird, A., & Samson, S. (2009). Memory for music in Alzheimer’s disease: Unforgettable?

Neuropsychology Review, 19(1), 85–101. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11065-009-9085-2

Belfi, A. M., & Jakubowski, K. (2021). Music and autobiographical memory. Music & Science, 4, 1–15.

https://doi.org/10.1177/2059204321104712

Cuddy, L. L., & Duffin, J. (2005). Music, memory, and Alzheimer’s disease: Is music recognition

spared in dementia, and how can it be assessed? Medical Hypotheses, 64(2), 229–235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2004.09.005

Habibi, A., Hennessy, S., Kaplan, J., Ginsberg, T., & Janata, P. (2025). Music-evoked nostalgia

activates default mode and reward networks across the lifespan. Human Brain

Mapping, 46(2), e70012. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbm.70012

Quin-Conroy, J. E., Thompson, P. A., Bayliss, D. M., & Badcock, N. A. (2024). Generalized models

for estimating cerebral lateralisation of young children using functional transcranial

Doppler ultrasound. Human Brain Mapping, 45(13), e70012.

https://doi.org/10.1002/hbm.70012

Janata, P. (2009). The neural architecture of music-evoked autobiographical memories. Cerebral

Cortex, 19(11), 2579–2594. https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhp008

Koelsch, S. (2014). Brain correlates of music-evoked emotions. Nature Reviews Neuroscience,

(3), 170–180. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn3666

Nawaz, S., & Omigie, D. (2025). Qualities of music-evoked autobiographical memories are

associated with auditory features of the memory-evoking music. PLOS ONE, 20(8),

e0329072. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0329072

Pietschnig, J., Voracek, M., & Formann, A. K. (2010). Mozart effect—shmozart effect: A meta-

analysis. Intelligence, 38(3), 314–323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intell.2010.03.001

Särkämö, T., Tervaniemi, M., Laitinen, S., Numminen, A., Kurki, M., Johnson, J. K., & Rantanen, P.

(2008). Music listening enhances cognitive recovery and mood after middle cerebral

artery stroke. Brain, 131(3), 866–876. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awn013

Sihvonen, A. J., Särkämö, T., Leo, V., Tervaniemi, M., Altenmüller, E., & Soinila, S. (2017). Music-

based interventions in neurological rehabilitation. The Lancet Neurology, 16(8),

–660. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(17)30168-0

Schulkind, M. D., Hennis, L. K., & Rubin, D. C. (1999). Music, emotion, and autobiographical

memory. Memory & Cognition, 27(6), 948–955. https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03201225

Thaut, M. H., & Hoemberg, V. (Eds.). (2014). Handbook of neurologic music therapy. Oxford

University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/med/9780199695467.001.0001

Van Praag, H., Kempermann, G., & Gage, F. H. (1999). Running increases cell proliferation and

neurogenesis in the adult mouse dentate gyrus. Nature Neuroscience, 2(3), 266–270.

https://doi.org/10.1038/6368