Can music-based interventions modulate reconsolidation processes?

Abstract

Introduction. Music-based interventions (MBI) induce emotional states which can modulate memory consolidation. Here we present three experiments studying if listening to music can also modulate memory reconsolidation. Aim. Exp. 1 assessed the effect of arousing and relaxing music during the reconsolidation window. Exp. 2 assessed if an emotionally stronger MBI (i.e., preference music) could maximize its effect. Exp. 3 tested if the results can be explained by state-dependency, reexposing participants to the same MBI before performing memory tasks. Results. Listening to arousing music reduced retrieval, without affecting recognition over a two-week period (Exp. 1). Such effect was not maximized by preference (Exp. 2). No re-exposition effect was found (Exp. 3). Discussion. Listening to arousing music after reactivating memory can interfere with the restabilization process and weaken memory, but it may not be strong enough to eliminate it. This amnesic effect is not explained by state-dependency. In contrast to that observed on memory consolidation, MBI diminishes memory; indicating that MBI interact in a unique way with each memory phase.