News & Insights

Exploring How Music Can Support People Living With Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Researchers at Emory University are studying how music may improve mood, behavior, memory, and connection for people living with cognitive impairment. Led by Dr. Monica Parker, the “Music as Medicine” research aims to determine what types and amounts of music may be most beneficial, building on evidence that familiar music can stimulate memories, reduce stress, and ease agitation. The research will measure outcomes including joy, emotional resilience, caregiver respite, mood, and behavior to better understand music’s potential as a low-cost, non-pharmacological approach to dementia care.

Exploring the Power of Music as We Age

Music can support healthy aging by stimulating the brain, improving mood, reducing anxiety, and helping older adults stay mentally and socially engaged. For people living with dementia, familiar music may ease agitation, encourage emotional connection, and help unlock meaningful memories. Singing, dancing, listening to favorite songs, and sharing musical experiences can also promote physical activity, friendship, and a richer sense of well-being.

Alzheimer’s Foundation Awards $200,000 to Emory for Arts and Brain Health Research

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America awarded Emory University $200,000 to study how arts and music engagement can support brain health and emotional well-being. The project brings together Emory’s Goizueta Brain Health Institute, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and Performance Hypothesis. Researchers will explore how music and other arts-based experiences may strengthen social connection, improve mood, and potentially support people experiencing cognitive changes and their care partners.

Listening to Music May Reduce Dementia Risk in Older Adults

A study of more than 10,800 adults aged 70 and older found that regularly listening to music was associated with a 39% lower risk of developing dementia. Playing a musical instrument was also linked to reduced risks of dementia and cognitive impairment. While the study cannot prove that music directly prevents dementia, the findings suggest that engaging with music may support memory, emotional well-being, and overall cognitive health as people age.

How Music Therapy Supports Healthy Aging

Music can support brain function and emotional well-being in older adults by engaging multiple areas of the brain involved in memory, movement, and emotion. Research suggests that music therapy and familiar songs may improve memory in people living with dementia, reduce depression and loneliness, and encourage meaningful social connection. Singing, dancing, listening to favorite songs, and playing instruments may also support mobility, balance, cognitive function, and overall quality of life.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Turning Hope Into Action

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s brings communities together to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, it is the world’s largest fundraising event dedicated to fighting Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Participants can register individually or as teams, fundraise, and join their local Walk to support the millions of people and families affected by dementia.

How Music Supports Memory and Concentration

Music engages areas of the brain connected to memory and emotion, helping people recall experiences and form new memories. For people living with dementia, familiar songs can sometimes unlock memories that remain accessible even as other forms of memory decline. Music can also support focus and concentration, with certain styles—particularly calm, repetitive, and lyric-free music—helping reduce distractions and create a more focused state.