According to this surprising study, music can boost memory! (The power of nostalgic music)

In a study, psychologists and brain specialists conducted an experiment. The goal? Understand how the brain reacts when a song holds strong personal meaning. For researchers, a certain type of music can be beneficial for memory, especially by stimulating the hippocampus.

Understanding the effects of nostalgic music For a long time, we have known that music can reduce stress, regulate mood, and even improve sleep quality. Music can also aid in language development in children, boost creativity, increase motivation, and reduce fatigue, especially in sports. Could a certain type of music stimulate memory? This question was at the heart of a study published in the journal Human Brain Mapping in 2025, led by psychologists and cognition specialists from several American universities.

Scientists gathered 57 volunteers for a very specific experiment, aiming to understand the brain’s reaction when a song holds strong personal meaning. Study participants were asked to choose songs that evoke specific memories and emotions (nostalgic music).

Then, researchers compared the effects of these songs with those of other musically similar songs without personal dimensions and with other unfamiliar music. During each listening session, participants were placed in a functional MRI machine, allowing the study leaders to differentiate what touched on familiarity or personal memory.

Stimulating autobiographical memory According to the results, songs associated with personal memories activate certain areas of the brain more intensely. This is especially true for the hippocampus, which plays a fundamental role in memory and spatial navigation. However, other areas involved in emotions, introspection, and reward were also affected. The scientists mentioned the concept of the “default mode network,” a system that activates when one thinks about oneself, one’s past, and lived experiences, among other things. This is about autobiographical memory.

In essence, listening to a song with personal meaning is not just about recalling a past event. In fact, this act also stimulates memory, emotions, and the sense of identity. Sometimes, a single listen can recreate an entire context, a unique ability that few other stimuli have.

Perspectives on mental health For researchers, these findings could lead to very interesting perspectives, especially concerning aging. Despite the fact that memory changes with age, some capacities persist and remain strong. It is possible that music could become a very accessible tool to stimulate these functions and even improve the quality of life for some individuals, potentially those with dementia.

“These findings could serve as a solid foundation for future studies examining the neuronal correlates of nostalgia evoked by music in people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias,” as stated in the study.

Finally, it is important to note that this phenomenon does not necessarily involve a specific musical genre. Whether it’s jazz, hip-hop, pop, or children’s songs, the key lies in the close connection between the chosen songs and personal experiences and memories.