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March 19, 2026—You don't have to be a scientist to know that music can shape your mood. It can give you a boost of energy, a surge of compassion or a spark of hope—even when you thought you had none left.

The power of music

The brain is complex, and scientists are still learning how music affects it. We do know that music activates brain systems that regulate memory, emotion, speech and more, according to the American Psychological Association.

Here's what the research so far says about the influence of music on your brain and health.

Stress management. In a survey of adults ages 50 to 80, nearly all reported that music relaxed them and reduced stress, according to AARP. Music has also been linked to reduced physical pain and to a range of mental health benefits, including improvements in:

• Attitude.
• Memory recall.
• Sense of connection to others.

Singing, composing music and playing an instrument offered similar reported health benefits.

Stroke recovery. Music therapy plays an important role for people in the early stages of stroke recovery, the American Heart Association says. Listening to music—especially vocal music—and singing stimulate the language, verbal memory and attention-governing parts of the brain. This enhances mood and focus.

Well-being in people with dementia. Personal, meaningful music lights up areas of the brain linked to memory, problem-solving and visual attention. These effects help relieve depression symptoms, anxiety and agitation. Pain levels improve, and risk of falls goes down too.

Motor and speech abilities in people with Parkinson's disease. Rhythmic music helps these people walk more fluidly. As a result, they are less likely to fall, says The Michael J. Fox Foundation. Singing improves vocal strength and clarity for Parkinson's patients. When they sing in a group, they feel more social connection, which improves quality of life.

Discover more brain-boosting habits

Looking for more ways to help your brain health? Put on your favorite background tunes and explore our Brain health topic center.

Sources

• AARP. "9 Health Benefits of Music as You Age." https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/health-benefits-of-music/.
• American Academy of Neurology. "How Music Affects Memory in Those With Dementia." https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/how-music-affects-memory-in-dementia.
• American Heart Association. "The Healing Power of Music for Stroke Survivors." https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/05/04/the-healing-power-of-music-for-stroke-survivors.
• American Psychological Association. "Music and the Mind." https://www.apa.org/monitor/2026/03/science-of-music.
• The Michael J. Fox Foundation. "Ask the MD: Music Therapy and Parkinson's." https://www.michaeljfox.org/news/ask-md-music-therapy-and-parkinsons.