25 Aug Why researchers are Turning to Music as a Possible Treatment for Stroke, Brain Injuries and even Parkinsons
ABSTRACT: This article focuses on neurologic music therapy, citing research suggesting that music can physically increase brain matter, which could help the brain repair itself. it looks at how patients with different types of brain injuries or diseases are able to sing or play music when they are unable to speak – music activities centers in the brain enabling actions that otherwsie are not feasible. The article notes that this type of therapy has shown promise in helping stroke survivors to recover language, improve walking and recover physical movement better than other standard therapies.
Researchers have also investigated whether neurologic music therapy can treat other movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. Most studies in this area have used a technique called rhythmic entrainment exercises, which uses the brain’s ability to synchronise with a beat unconsciously – such as having to walk to a specific speed of music or beat.
AUTHOR SUMMARY: Rebecca Atkinson