Memory for music doesn't diminish with age

A recent study published in PLoS ONE reveals that musical memory remains intact across different age groups, with individuals aged 80 able to recognize familiar tunes as effectively as teenagers. The research, conducted by Sarah Sauvé and her team, involved approximately 90 healthy adults aged 18 to 86 who attended a live concert by the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra. Participants were tested on their ability to recognize familiar and unfamiliar musical themes, including Mozart's "Eine kleine Nachtmusik" and two experimental pieces. The results showed no significant decline in recognition ability with age, indicating that musical memory may be resistant to cognitive decline. This phenomenon may be attributed to the emotional connections music evokes, which enhances memory encoding. Cognitive neuroscientist Steffen Herff noted that music's structured nature allows for easier recall, even in older adults. While the study did not extensively assess participants' cognitive health, it suggests potential for using music as a cognitive aid for individuals with neurodegenerative conditions like dementia. The findings challenge the notion that all forms of memory deteriorate with age, highlighting the unique resilience of musical memory.