How Music can impact on human brain

Most of us know how music has become another essential need for our living. Do you know how many benefits music has and how it can impact on human brain especially in the older people?

Could you shed light on how actually music impacts the brain?

Listening to music can reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Corpus callosum develops fully and there will be a good connection between left and right brain. This results in increased development of both the cerebral hemispheres Hormones like dopamine and oxytocin are released, which increases social bonding and well- being. Also these days, doctors are allowed to listen to music while performing surgery, as it keeps them poised and relaxed says Dr Subbaia Chowdary is a consultant Neuro physician at Star Hospitals, Hyderabad.

How far can music therapy help as a treatment for ailments?

Music is, of course, a good ailment but cannot completely replace the traditional way of treatment. It’s just another alternative to keep you relaxed and content.

Is there any genre-specific music you would think that can help aged people?

 Listening to music depends on one’s own choice. There is no specific category of music for anyone. Because, the brain connectivity is increased, which provoke emotions or heal the brain depending on the taste what a person has.

Why do people become nostalgic while listening to music? Does music help regain access to the past memories?

Memories are generally stored in the temporal lobe. Whenever any person listens to the music, associated memory is stimulated. It is just like the computer program where it stores the particular incident at a particular time. So by listening to the music anything that is closer to the past moment, the brain gets stimulated and makes you nostalgic. I have seen many people practically who has experienced it.

What difference do you find in musicians and non-musicians?

The musicians who have learned music earlier at a very younger age for example right from 7 years when compared to those who haven't started or started later, have higher intelligence, good grasping power, have higher logical thinking, IQ, and good creativity. They are active and have good linguistic intelligence as well.

How can music help as an exercise for the brain in older people?

Listening to music is like a good exercise. It reduces the anxiety, stress levels, and hormone levels, which would keep you calm and relaxed. They can increase language skills, increases spatial intelligence. Music lessons in childhood can provide good benefits as we age, in the form of defense against memory loss and cognitive decline

Book appointment: Dr Subbaia Chowdary is a consultant Neuro physician at Star Hospitals, Hyderabad.