Want to boost your memory and improve your learning skills? Listen classical music. Yes, according to Finnish researchers, listening to classical music not only soothes your mind and body but also enhances your learning and memory power. A statement released from The University of Helsinki said that listening to classical music enhanced the activity of genes involved in dopamine secretion, synaptic neurotransmission, learning and memory and down-regulated the genes mediating neuro-degeneration.
SNCA – what should you know about it?
SNCA – what should you know about it?
One of the most up-regulated genes, synuclein-alpha (SNCA) is a known risk gene for Parkinson’s disease that is located in the strongest linkage region of musical aptitude. SNCA is also known to contribute to song learning in songbirds.
Irma Jarvela, lead researcher of the study said, ‘The up-regulation of several genes that are known to be responsible for song learning and singing in songbirds suggest a shared evolutionary background of sound perception between vocalising birds and humans.’
What was the outcome?
Listening to music enhanced the activity of genes involved in dopamine secretion and transport, synaptic function, learning and memory. In contrast to the neuroprotective effect of classical music, listening to music down-regulated genes that were associated with neurodegeneration, thereby signifying the neuroprotective role of the music.
‘The effect was only detectable in musically experienced participants, suggesting the importance of familiarity and experience in mediating music-induced effects,’ the researchers said.
How was the study conducted?
The team investigated how listening to classical music affected the gene expression profiles of both musically experienced and inexperienced participants. All the participants listened to W.A. Mozart’s violin concert that lasts 20 minutes. The findings may give further insights about the molecular mechanisms underlying music therapy.
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