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Demonstration and Research Study on Music and Memory in Persons with Short-Term Memory Deficits
Research Question
Clinical evidence has shown that persons with memory deficits can still recall familiar music. In “The Last Hippie” (Sacks 1995), such a case is dramatically presented, where a young man with amnesia, who has no memory after 1970, is able to recall parts of lyrics to contemporary songs. The question, “Can a person with short-term memory deficits retain information embedded in a song?” needs to be closely examined.
Objective
This study proposes to begin to answer that question. Five patients with short-term memory deficits will receive individual 30 minute music therapy sessions, twice a week for six months. Specially written songs and existing popular music will be used to convey specific information to each patient. The patients will be tested at baseline, midpoint and at termination to identify if any new information was remembered. This pilot study is important in laying the foundation for further research and more advanced testing procedures.
This study is being funded by the Rex Foundation.
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