Music Therapy for Stroke PatientsWe all know that music can affect our moods. It's no secret that popping in a favorite CD can change our frame of mind and even inspire us to sing and dance. Music can uplift our spirit, but can it aid in recovery for stroke patients? A recent study seems to think so. A team of Finnish researchers, lead by Teppo Sarkamo from the University of Helsinki, studied 60 stroke survivors to see if they could benefit from music therapy in addition to their regular stroke rehabilitation. The goal was to offer music therapy immediately, before large changes in the brain had begun, although the 60 patients were already showing signs of movement, attention problems and memory problems. After 3 months, the researchers had noticed a dramatic effect. Some patients listened to their music of choice for a couple of hours a day, some listened to audio books and some listened to nothing at all. Verbal memory improved in the music group by 60%, focused attention improved by 17% and the music group was also documented as being more clear and positive minded ' showing less signs of depression or confusion than the other two groups. The research team suggests that music should be considered as a helpful addition to regular stroke therapy to help enhance cognitive recovery and a positive mood. The research team is not sure of the scientific reasons for music improving memory but they are entertaining the idea that music may stimulate damaged areas of the brain, or that it may stimulate mechanisms responsible for the brain to repair neural networks. It is also possible that music works on the part of the nervous system responsible for memory and pleasure. More research may be able to help determine why music therapy is so helpful for stroke patients. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: What medical conditions can I get disability for? Does Social Security Disability Depend on Level of Illness or the type of Work? Can Debt Collectors go after Social Security Disability or Retirement? What if the Disability Examiner is Unfamiliar with my Medical Condition? Using a letter from a doctor at a disability hearing When to appeal a denial of SSD or SSI benefits How long for a disability judge to make a decision? While you are in your disability interview How to file for disability in Wyoming Cases that win disability benefits Applying for disability with degenerative disc disease The SSD and SSI definition of disability How to file for disability in Kentucky Winning at a Social Security Disability hearing What is usually the status of your Social Security Disability or SSI case? |
