Music and Memories

Most people connect songs and memories, but until a few years ago we didn't understand why. Back in 2009, cognitive neuroscientists found a link in the prefrontal cortex of our brains between where we store our memories and where we process musical input. Because the prefrontal cortex is one of the last parts of the brain to atrophy in Alzheimer's patients, neuroscientists hope to use music to help bring back some lost memories. When I worked in an Alzheimer's ward, nothing could get the residents quite as happy and relaxed as listening to Elvis Presley. No matter how far gone they were, they all remembered Elvis. 

The songs that are most special to me are from my childhood. Dad would pull out his guitar at night and play Neil Young's Heart of Gold and Simon and Garfunkel's Bookends. Paul Simon, The Doors, and Jim Croce will always make me think of my dad. The Beatles were also a huge part of my growing up years. Twist and Shout puts me right back in front of the kitchen sink, washing dishes with my sisters and splattering bubbles all over the cassette player on the window sill as we enthusiastically shouted right along with John Lennon. 

Link with information about the '09 prefrontal cortex study: http://www.livescience.com/5327-music-memory-connection-brain.html