As my day began to wind down and I prepared to rest on social media, I unexpectedly came across a video on Instagram featuring an elderly man with Alzheimer‘s. The person behind the camera, the man’s grandson, started to sing “We‘ll Meet Again” by Vera Lynn. Although the man appeared confused, he began to weakly sing along. In that moment, despite slowly forgetting the memories of his happiest times, he and his grandson sat together and sang as one.

Music has existed continuously since early human civilizations, serving beneficial functions worldwide. It has profoundly influenced people on a large scale- promoting nationalism, shaping political views, and improving international relations and communications- as well as on a smaller scale, aiding stability in babies, increasing productivity in gym classes, and enhancing engagement in movies. Now intertwined with neuroscience, we can explore how music affects the brain both psychologically and biologically.

Research shows that music can activate different areas of the brain responsible for interpretation, memory, imagery, abstract thinking, and sequencing. This concept applies to many aspects, including the interconnection between musical expectations and movies. Cognitive neuroscientist Aniruddh Patel, a speaker at the World Science Festival in New York City, described how movie soundtracks “not only intensify mood but also create expectations about events that might be coming up next.” With music’s vast spectrum of emotions and tones, areas of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex, responsible for abstract thinking, are activated, leading to unique predictions and interpretations. Fundamentally, music stimulates deep centers of the brain that influence how we process our spatial surroundings.

Moreover, music has proven to be an effective form of therapy. Music therapy, which uses music to enhance emotional and physical well-being, has significantly advanced over time and can now be correlated with neuroscience. Kathleen Howland, a speech and music therapist and cancer survivor, spoke at the TEDxBerkleeValencia event about her journey through chemotherapy, stating that her “ability to endure [treatment] was enhanced by the relaxation response activated by music and not by drugs.” While chemotherapy is a cytotoxic medication, music, in an emotional context, generates oxytocin, promoting feelings of safety and trust. In many ways, music can serve as a tool to initiate positive physiological and neurochemical changes.

Ultimately, music possesses abilities beyond mere entertainment; it has extraordinary influences on emotional regulation and health, unlike any other form of medicine. Acknowledging the multifaceted advantages that music offers across a wide range, medical fields should consider integrating music into cognitive development and expanding its use in psychological care. Perhaps music will not only be something played in the background but an exceptional option for strengthening neurodevelopment.

<Rachel Kim 학생기자 로스알라미토스 고교 10학년>