Charlotte Gurr
Missed medication, especially in the long term, and polypharmacy is a problem that has persisted in spite of interventions — whether they be dosette boxes or digital reminders. However, it is possible that music could form part of the solution.
Our study, conducted in collaboration with NHS Highland and the North of Scotland NHS Innovation Hub, has investigated how memorable music, delivered through a smartphone app called MedTracks, could make medication-taking more consistent and even enjoyable.
Familiar tune, familiar task
Rather than the standard phone notification, MedTracks uses a clip from a memorable song chosen by the user. It taps into the ‘reminiscence bump’ principle, which draws from popular hits from when the user was aged 6–15 years — the period when emotional and autobiographical memories form most strongly.
The MedTracks team had been aware of the potential to use music in this way for some time. Previously, the team identified a technique called ‘song-task-association’ by using memorable music as a prompt to support people living with dementia. This is because meaningful songs connect to areas of the brain linked with both memory and emotion. When used as a prompt for a task, the technique cuts through the ‘noise’ of modern life in a way that a standard smartphone notification or alarm cannot do.
Testing the idea in practice
We explored the potential of MedTracks in an at-risk population, which includes people who manage regular medicines for chronic conditions linked to cognitive decline, such as diabetes, heart disease or hypertension. A total of 31 participants from the Scottish Highlands took part in the 30-day trial. Each participant downloaded the prototype app, set up their medication schedule and received daily reminders that combined on-screen prompts with short musical clips.
The study assessed adherence using the Medication Adherence Rating Scale before and after the trial, alongside the System Usability Scale, to capture feedback on the app’s ease of use. A total of 14 participants also took part in semi-structured interviews to share their experiences. The results showed measurable improvement, with a statistically significant fall in missed medication of 14.5%, as well as better adherence to prescribed dosages.
By tapping into emotion and personal history, musical cues offer a way to connect action with positive feeling
Given that this group already reported relatively good baseline adherence, we consider these changes encouraging. Statistical analysis also indicated a medium effect size (Cohen’s d = -0.633) for reduced forgetfulness, which suggests that the musical cue made a practical difference in routine behaviour.
More than a reminder: music as motivation
The qualitative interviews offered a glimpse into why the intervention worked. Participants described the songs as enjoyable, nostalgic and mood-boosting. In addition, many found that the familiar tunes lifted their spirits and reframed medication-taking as a positive moment in the day.
“It brought a smile — and that’s as important as anything else,” said one participant. Another noted: “Otherwise you just get alarm bells, which could mean anything, but with music, it felt like something personal.”
Nearly 80% of users cited the music as the most effective aspect of the app. Even those users who already had strong medication habits found that the music reinforced their confidence that they had taken the right dose. These findings support broader evidence that emotionally engaging music can strengthen memory retrieval and habit formation in older adults.
Why music matters for medicine
Medication non-adherence has been called ‘the elephant in the room’ for chronic disease management. The World Health Organization estimates that it costs healthcare systems billions globally and compromises treatment outcomes across conditions — from hypertension to diabetes.
Traditional adherence aids, such as blister packs, text reminders and even AI-powered dispensers, target the mechanics of remembering but not the motivation. By tapping into emotion and personal history, musical cues offer a way to connect action with positive feeling, which is particularly valuable for older adults or those individuals experiencing cognitive change.
Our study adds to a growing body of research that links music with memory activation. Neuroimaging studies show that familiar songs engage the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, which are areas that are critical for autobiographical recall and planning. For healthcare professionals, the study findings offer a promising behavioural mechanism that complements pharmacological and counselling interventions.
Next steps for research and pharmacy practice
We are planning further development and larger-scale trials of MedTracks across different age groups and medication types. There are also app enhancements planned to better support polypharmacy, along with integration with other platforms.
We are keen to see the app used across different age groups and medication types — for example, younger adults and drugs for mental health conditions.
For pharmacists, the findings open a discussion about how emotionally resonant interventions could fit into adherence support services. In community settings, where pharmacists already reinforce medication routines and tackle unintentional non-adherence, MedTracks has the potential as a support tool — one that connects with patients on a more human level.
The MedTracks study is an early but persuasive example of how technology can intersect with neuroscience and pharmacy practice. By using music, not simply as entertainment but as a behavioural cue, it reframes adherence support as something enjoyable, not burdensome.
As one participant reflected: “It’s part of my routine now — the song comes on, and I smile before I take my tablets.”
For healthcare professionals striving to improve long-term adherence, that small moment of joy might make all the difference.
