[thedoc (OP)]

Kate Radford asked the Naked Scientists:
   
There's a lot of research supporting the idea that exercise will improve your memory and potentially increase the amount of stuff you're able to learn in a period of time. I'm not a terribly active person, but I do sing in four choirs (I know, I have no life; it's awesome). As a biochemistry student, I could use all the help I can get, so, I'm wondering: does making music have similar benefits to the brain as exercise? (I understand that there will be confounding variables, such as the fact that singing is a controlled physical activity.)

Thanks!
Kate
What do you think?

[evan_au]

I have heard suggestions that singing in groups helps with social cohesion and a feeling of "belonging".
Although, if you can't sing at all, you may feel that you don't belong...

[smart]

Does music benefit the brain like exercise does?

Yes, Music listening may increase cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the frontal lobe and stimulate endogenous dopamine release.