New research reveals that listening to full songs is significantly more effective than hearing lyrics spoken aloud when it comes to triggering personal memories. In a study comparing responses to popular songs versus their spoken-word versions, participants connected more deeply with music, linking it to specific life moments and emotions. Songs not only prompted faster memory recall but also intensified the emotional experience of re-living past events. These insights could help shape therapeutic approaches, such as curated playlists, to support memory in older adults and individuals with dementia.

Key Findings:

• Songs Outperform Spoken Lyrics: Full musical tracks sparked more vivid and emotionally rich memories than spoken lyrics alone.
• Emotional Impact: Upbeat, positive music was especially effective at evoking joyful personal memories.
• Therapeutic Use: Music could serve as a powerful tool to help aging individuals and dementia patients recall significant life experiences.

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