Musical memory has been found to be resilient to the effects of aging, according to a recent study conducted by feminist music scientist Sarah Sauvé at the University of Lincoln. The study involved roughly 90 healthy adults ranging in age from 18 to 86 years attending a live concert by the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra in St John’s, Canada.
Participants were asked to recognize familiar and unfamiliar musical themes played during the concert. The results showed that age did not have a significant impact on the ability to recognize familiar musical themes, such as Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik, across all age groups. Even unfamiliar tonal and atonal pieces did not show a significant decrease in recognition with age.
Cognitive neuroscientist Steffen Herff from the University of Sydney suggests that the emotional connection to music may play a role in its strong retention in memory. Music evokes emotions that can enhance memory encoding, making it easier to recall. Additionally, the structured nature of music allows for predictions to be made about the progression of a piece, aiding in recognition and memory retention.
While the study did not delve deeply into the effects of cognitive impairments or neurodegenerative diseases on musical memory, there is a growing interest in using music as a cognitive scaffolding tool for individuals with conditions like dementia. Music’s ability to evoke emotions and engage memory systems makes it a promising avenue for further research into memory retention and cognitive support.
Overall, the study highlights the enduring nature of musical memory and its potential as a tool for preserving cognitive function in aging individuals. As we continue to explore the relationship between music, memory, and aging, there may be new opportunities to harness the power of music for cognitive health and well-being.
