The Effect of Familiar Music on the Retrieval of Autobiographical Memories in Korsakoff Patients

Abstract

Abstract thesis The purpose of this study is to look into the effect of familiar music on autobiographical memory (AM) retrieval in Korsakoff (KS) patients. To get an answer to the question: ‘’To what extent does Familiar music affect the Retrieval of Autobiographical Memories in Korsakoff patients?’’, 10 individuals (8 male, 2 female), whose ages ranged from 50 – 82 years, participated in a 2x2x3 design. Participants were either classified in the Korsakoff group (n=5) or the control group (n=5). Participants completed two measurements. During measurements, participants were presented either a familiar or an unfamiliar music cue followed by a verbal historical cue. As a result, AMs were obtained and scored via a pre-existing score form. This study reveals that 1) Familiar music does not ameliorate the amount of AMs retrieved to a greater extent compared to unfamiliar music, 2) A time gradient is present, 3) Overall liveliness of AMs is enhanced by familiar music. However, comparing four different qualitative aspects of AMs, 4) emotional arousal is different between periods, dependent of the group. This study contributes to knowledge about the effect of music on the AM retrieval, including various aspects of AM which can be used to develop new compensating and restoring therapy strategies for KS patients. This study also raises new questions, and therefore contributes to the academic field of Neuropsychology. Familiar music enhances overall liveliness, but zooming in, effects are limited to emotional arousal. Further research is necessary to discover which different aspects of autobiographical memory benefit from FM.