We have all read or heard at some point that music has an amazing effect on people suffering from Alzheimer's. In those worlds of silence where memories and one's own life become blurred, the simple fact of listening to a song from childhood or youth activates them emotionally and behaviorally. It's almost like the brain wakes up after being lethargic.
All of this makes us sense that despite the unstoppable cognitive deterioration associated with this type of dementia, there are areas that remain intact. The brain preserves regions linked to long-term musical memory.
What's more, music not only has a positive effect on patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Music therapy induces very interesting changes in patients with major depression, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and even in those who have suffered a stroke. We are, therefore, facing a type of neurorehabilitative approach that is worth taking into account.
Benefits of music in neurological diseases
- The use of music therapy in medical and neurological rehabilitation settings is increasingly common. Studies indicate that music has a very positive effect in the treatment of pain, as well as in motor rehabilitation.
- In patients with Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis, their quality of life can improve, which is undoubtedly hopeful. However, the benefits of music in neurological diseases are not yet fully understood. We know, however, that they do not cure or resolve any type of condition.
- Music generates a very powerful sensory, motor, cognitive and emotional response in patients with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or any other neurodegenerative disease associated with aging. In addition, it produces activation in the temporal regions of the brain, as well as the cerebellar regions.
- On the other hand, within neurological rehabilitation, improvements have also been seen in people who have suffered strokes and who have aphasia. The classic difficulty of expressing in words what they want to say is reduced.
Benefits of music in epilepsy
- Among the benefits of music in neurological diseases there is one that draws special attention. It is about its antiepileptic effect. Something that has been seen is how music therapy is capable of reducing the number of seizures or seizures in patients by up to 24%.
- According to a study carried out, the effect of music in regulating the dopaminergic system. That is, it exerts a relaxing effect at the neuronal level, and although this does not prevent attacks from appearing, it does reduce their appearance. Which is very positive.
Music and its effect on depression in patients with neurological diseases
- Depression is a comorbid condition in many neurological disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's. It is very common for the experience of these conditions to affect patients emotionally and lead, in many cases, to a mood disorder.
- The benefits of music in neurological diseases also reach this area. Music therapy achieves, for example, better adherence to treatments. That is, people perceive themselves as more cheerful, they are more receptive to pharmacological and psychological treatments.
- Studies, such as those carried out at the University of Pavia, Italy, show us this relationship. Music improves mood in neurological patients, and this is something that should be taken into account when designing and addressing the intervention in this population group with so many needs.
Few treatments are more economical and, at the same time, as easy to apply as this language that excites us all, let's enjoy life with music!
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