Research shows music aids memory performance in older adults and patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

For this year's World Alzheimers Day, Dr. Deason from Texas State University, reflects on how aging and disease affects the human mind, particularly in older adults.

Who: Dr. Rebecca Deason, Associate Professor of Psychology at Texas State, investigates how we learn and remember items and how memory is changed by aging and disease.

Dr. Deason has researched memory of words, pictures, and music in young adults, healthy, older adults, and patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) to find ways to enhance and maintain cognition throughout the lifespan. Dr. Deason believes changes in cognition with age is an important issue as the population itself ages. Interventions to increase the chances of healthy aging or to improve the lives of those suffering from age-related diseases such as AD are desirable and currently a focus of much scientific work.

Currently, Dr. Deason operates a Memory and Cognition lab (http://memcoglab.wp.txstate.edu) where her students and herself study younger and older participants on computer/laptop-based experiments and additionally run young adult participants in EEG/ERP studies. The ERP studies involve recording electrical activity as measured on the scalp- to make inferences about cognitive processes. In addition, music and memory is another area of focus for her research.

Dr. Deason says music may aid memory performance in older adults and patients with AD, and her research has been some of the first to explore the possibilities and limitations of musical mnemonics. Patients with AD showed increase recognition memory for lyrics that had been sung compared to spoken music. Recently, Dr. Deason found intact implicit memory for musical stimuli in patients and says further investigation of how and why musical mnemonics work is critical for successfully using music to improve memory performance throughout the lifespan. Dr. Deason’s work centers on finding solutions to improve the daily lives of older adults and patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

National Family Caregivers Month: Celebrating the Selfless

November heralds a time of reflection and appreciation for the
unsung heroes among us—those dedicated individuals who

The Power of Pleasant Aromas: Enhancing Memory and Cognition During Sleep

Essential Oils: A Comprehensive Guide for Cats and Dog Parents

Fish and Their Psychological Benefits

Fish, particularly in the context of aquariums, have long been
recognized for their potential therapeutic and ...

The Hidden Dangers of Indoor Toxins and How to Eliminate Them Naturally

Assessing Sleep Disturbances - Guidance for Holistic Therapists

News

Embracing Gratitude: A Holistic Approach to Transforming Mind and Body – quickly and effectively

Understanding and Mitigating Ototoxicity in Natural Health Practices

Unveiling the Intricate Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia Risk: A Natural Health Perspective

Celebrating Wellbeing at Work Week: Embracing Healthier Work Environments

In the realm of holistic health, where the synergy of mind, body, and spirit is paramount, recent research has illuminated a potent, fast, yet simple practice for mental wellness: gratitude. This aligns seamlessly with the principles of the Complementary Medical Association, which advocates for compassionate, natural and integrative approaches to health.

In the realm of natural health, preserving one's hearing is a vital aspect of overall wellness. Ototoxicity, the potential for certain substances and medications to harm the auditory system, is a concern for both practitioners and clients. In this helpful guide, we will delve into the causes of ototoxicity, including household materials and chemicals, ototoxic drugs, and explore strategies to safeguard hearing and even potentially reverse hearing loss and tinnitus naturally.

In the realm of natural health, understanding the complex relationship between hearing loss and cognitive well-being is of paramount importance. Recent research conducted by the University of California San Diego and Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute has illuminated this connection. In this article, we will delve into these findings and explore holistic strategies for safeguarding hearing, mitigating the risk of dementia, and promoting cognitive vitality, all within the framework of natural health practices.

As we step into Wellbeing at Work Week, it's a crucial time to reflect on the significance of mental and physical health in our professional lives. This week celebrates the growing awareness of workplace wellness, underscoring the essential balance between work and life, and the vital role it plays in our overall health and productivity.