According to a new report by the “Conversation” website, it has been proven that singing, playing a musical instrument, or even listening to music activates many areas of the brain that control speech, movement, perception, memory and emotion, and often all at the same time.
Several studies also suggest that music can increase brain cell growth, which may help the brain repair itself.
What remains even more intriguing is the effect that music can have in cases where the brain may not be working as it should.
For example, studies show that for people with Alzheimer’s disease, music can often elicit a reaction, helping patients access previously lost memories.
There is also evidence of patients who have suffered brain damage and have lost the ability to speak, and can still sing when music is playing.
Neuro music therapy
Given the powerful effect of music on the brain, scientists are investigating whether it can be used to treat many neurological conditions, such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease or brain injury. One of these treatments is currently under investigation to see if it can be used or not, known as “neural music therapy”.
Neuromusic therapy works somewhat like physical therapy or speech therapy, as it aims to help patients manage symptoms and function better in their daily lives.
Therapy sessions use musical or rhythmic exercises to help patients regain functional skills. For example, patients who learn to walk after an accident or trauma can walk to the rhythm of music during a therapy session.
Talking, walking and thinking
So far, this type of treatment has shown promise in helping stroke survivors regain language, improve gait, and regain physical movement better than other treatments.
The researchers also investigated whether neuromuscular music therapy could treat other movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease.
Most studies in this area have used a technique called “rhythmic twist exercises,” which use the brain’s ability to unconsciously synchronize with a rhythm; Like having to walk at a certain speed of music or rhythm.
Compared with treatment without music, neuromusic therapy has been shown to improve gait and reduce moments of “freezing” (the involuntary temporary inability to move) in Parkinson’s patients.
Studies have also looked at whether this type of therapy can treat cognitive problems in people with Huntington’s disease, or those who have experienced traumatic brain injury, usually caused by a violent bump or jolt to the head or body.
For these types of conditions, neuromusic therapy focuses on activating and stimulating areas of the brain that may have been damaged, such as the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain responsible for planning complex cognitive behavior, personality expression, decision making, modulating social behavior and modifying specific aspects from talking.
Treatment activities for this type of condition may include; The patient switches between playing two types of musical instruments, when he hears a change in the music he is playing (for example, the rhythm becomes faster or slower).
One study also found that these types of activities improved focus and attention in patients with TBI. It had a positive effect on their health and reduced feelings of depression or anxiety.
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