Music has long been touted as the “food of love,” but recent research suggests it can also be brain food. Dr. Brooke Hildebrand Clubbs, a professor at Southeast Missouri State University, notes that listening to music can reduce anxiety and stress while improving sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory.
Studies have shown that any type of music can have positive effects on the brain. In fact, research by neuroscientists at the University of Central Florida has found that different parts of the brain respond differently to music. Professional musicians use the occipital lobe to process what they see when listening to music, while laypeople rely on the temporal lobe, which is responsible for language and hearing.
To reap the benefits of music’s brain-boosting effects, try tuning in to a new genre or program that you’re not familiar with. Research shows people with dementia often respond better to music from their childhood, but exploring new sounds can challenge the brain in ways that old favorites cannot. By incorporating music into your daily routine, you may be surprised at its impact on your mental clarity and well-being.
Source: https://www.krcu.org/health-science/2025-04-30/to-your-health-musics-health-benefits