Music Therapy for Memory Enhancement

The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF) helps CenterLight Health System  patients to maximize their memory capability through the strategic use of music. The IMNF’s licensed music therapists identify specific songs that will stimulate a patient’s past memories, images and personal experiences. Music therapy can help patients memorize new information as well as increase their attention span and improve their quality of life.

What to Expect

Familiar songs are used to stimulate lost memories.

Musical improvisation enhances self-expression when meaningful words are not possible.

Rhythm based activities increase attention and focus.

Phrases are set to music to help patients recall memories.

Music Therapy can provide results, including:

Improved memory

Increased attention span and focus

Increased motivation

Improved cognitive skills

Increased self-expression

Increased awareness of self and others

Reduced agitation

Music has the capacity to stimulate seemingly lost memories, images and personal experiences in individuals with memory deficits due to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, head trauma or stroke. IMNF music therapists help patients respond to familiar songs, even when recognition of language and visual objects is no longer possible. This suggests that the way the brain remembers music is different from the way it remembers people, personal experiences, and other memories. Therefore, patients may be able to use music to access memories that were thought to be forgotten.

For more information on the programs and services available through the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function, please call 718-519–5840 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).