Singing for the soul: How music strengthens memory in old age!

Singing for the soul: How music strengthens memory in old age!

At the heart of the KU, musical passion is very important. At the university, which is known for its vibrant choral culture, students sing in a variety of formations, from university choirs and chamber choirs to smaller ensembles and solo performances in a variety of musical genres. Andreas Kehr, the director of the university choir, emphasizes that many students become teachers as part of their training and thus lead school or children's choirs. These musical engagements often continue after graduation, even for graduates who do not work in school. KU.de reports about the positive effects of singing and the broad accessibility that many students find singing.

Musicologist Prof. Dr. Kathrin Schlemmer is dedicated to researching singing and the voice. She is convinced that singing can be made visible as a method of memory. Their studies show that many people have songs stored in a fixed key in their memory, while at the same time they often believe they cannot sing. Schlemmer points out that musical ability is viewed as normally distributed - only a small group is very talented or less capable.

The importance of musical activities for the brain

At a time when the aging population is increasing rapidly, the importance of maintaining cognitive function is becoming increasingly critical. Recent research shows that musical activities, such as playing an instrument or singing, can have significant benefits for the aging brain. A study in International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry published, analyzed data from the PROTECT study, which examined people aged 40 and over. It was found that adults who play an instrument show greater improvements in working memory and executive function.

The results show that piano players enjoy the greatest cognitive benefits, while playing woodwind and brass instruments also has positive effects, although these are less pronounced. Surprisingly, no significant connection was found between cognition and playing percussion, string instruments or guitar. Nevertheless, the connection between choral singing and cognitive health is highlighted, although it remains unclear whether the benefits are due to the singing itself or the social aspect of choral singing.

Music as a protective measure

Dr. Jennie Dorris from the University of Pittsburgh emphasizes how important certain tools can be for cognition. Previous research also shows that playing music can increase the speed of nerve impulses and stimulate the formation of myelin. These physiological mechanisms contribute to the integration of music therapy into the treatment of neurological diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Research shows that musical activities in adulthood are an effective strategy for maintaining cognitive function.

In summary, both singing in community and making music individually are essential parts of life that not only enrich the individual, but also have a positive impact on society and the communities in which we live. Given the unprecedented benefits that playing music has on cognitive function, the value of music education in schools and beyond becomes even clearer—particularly at a time when music programs are at risk.