The Effectiveness of Music as a Mnemonic Device on Recognition Memory for People with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Research shows that people with multiple sclerosis exhibit learning and memory difficulties and that music can be used successfully as a mnemonic device to aid in learning and memory. However, there is currently no research investigating the effectiveness of music mnemonics as a compensatory learning strategy for people with multiple sclerosis. Participants with clinically definitive multiple sclerosis (N = 38) were given a verbal learning and memory test. Results from a recognition memory task were analyzed that compared learning through music (n = 20) versus learning through speech (n = 18). Preliminary baseline neuropsychological data were collected that measured executive functioning skills, learning and memory abilities, sustained attention, and level of disability. An independent samples t test showed no significant difference between groups on baseline neuropsychological functioning or on recognition task measures. Correlation analyses suggest that music mnemonics may facilitate learning for people who are less impaired by the disease. Implications for future research are discussed.

Therapeutic use of the Arts for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

“…MT interventions include singing, playing instruments, improvisation, making music, music listening, rhythmic entrainment, rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS), song choice, sharing meaningful songs, musical autobiographies, musical life review, music mnemonics, recording music, musical identity, movement to music, and overall engagement with music. [32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43] Approaches have included Nordoff Robbins, neurologic MT (neuro-MT), psychodynamic MT, and cognitive behavioral therapy. 8,33,37,39,40,44,45 The goals of MT may include improving emotional status (adjustment to illness, mood states, expression of emotions), and enhancing neurologic performance (gait, Therapeutic use of the Arts for Patients with MS speech, cognitive function), thereby facilitating activities of daily living and improving quality of life.…”

“…47 Moore et al compared learning via speech with learning through music on a recognition memory task, and their findings suggest that music mnemonics may help less impaired patients. 34 One case study reported on a woman with MS in her thirties who used song-writing to gain insight and delve into her personal problems. 49 When she first started participating in MT she exhibited a self-defeating mindset, but after engaging in 10 MT sessions she was able to express her feelings and engage in self-disclosure, performed and recorded her song, and …”

“…39,43 Neuro-MT techniques encompass the use of: rhythmic entrainment to help with motor synchronization (RAS); rhythmic speech cueing to assist with speech production, fluency, and intelligibility; respiratory and oral motor exercises to assist with lung function, communication, and respiratory muscle strength; executive function training through music to assist with problem solving, decision making, organizing, sequencing, and planning; singing to assist with word recall; and music mnemonics to assist with memory challenges and learning. 8,33,34,39,40,47,48 The proposed mechanism for the effects of MT on neurologic function is promotion of central neuroplasticity.Few MT studies are specifically focused on MS (Table 3), but these include several randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Aldridge et al randomized 20 patients with MS to MT (using the Nordoff Robbins approach) or no intervention (10 participants in each group).…”

Using Mnemonic Strategies to Teach Letter-Name and Letter-Sound Correspondences

“…Since interwoven with these are characteristics of successful mnemonics, music can be an appropriate mnemonic application. Moore et al (2008) characteristics, it becomes a powerful stimulus. The ease of attending to and acquiring structural characteristics within the material to be remembered, its intrinsic organizational characteristics, and use as a means to cue recall are all present conditions within music, making it a good learning facilitator, thus a good mnemonic strategy.…”

Improving Hand Functional Use in Subjects with Multiple Sclerosis Using a Musical Keyboard: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Its efficacy has been described in subjects with traumatic brain injury, stroke and MS (Särkämö et al, 2008;Forsblom et al, 2009;Thaut et al, 2009). A study on passive music therapy reported that listening to music facilitates learning and memory in mildly impaired MS subjects (Moore et al, 2008).…”