Music Therapy: A ‘Superpower’ in Stroke Rehabilitation
Music therapy is widely acknowledged as an effective tool for cognitive rehabilitation and emotional healing. For individuals with cognitive impairments due to strokes or neurodegenerative diseases, music can reconnect them with lost memories and skills. Today, we share a touching story from Carly Zulumovich, General Manager at Home Care Assistance Central Coast, showcasing the transformative impact of music therapy.
A Case Study: Rediscovering Joy through Music
Carly Zulumovich recently visited a client, Mrs. Johnson, who had suffered a stroke several months ago. Before her stroke, Mrs. Johnson was an avid piano player, finding immense joy and satisfaction in playing her beloved piano. However, the stroke left her with memory challenges and a deep sense of loss, as she could no longer remember how to play. This loss significantly impacted her mood, leading to bouts of depression.
In an effort to overcome these feelings, Mrs. Johnson decided one day to sit at her piano and try playing again. Astonishingly, she began to play a tune perfectly, without consciously remembering the notes. As the melody flowed from her fingers, she felt a wave of emotions and started crying through tears of joy. In that miraculous moment, Mrs. Johnson experienced a profound reconnection with her musical past, bringing her immense happiness and a renewed sense of hope.
Mrs. Johnson’s experience is not unique. Research has shown that music therapy can significantly benefit individuals with cognitive impairments. Here are some key findings:
Activation of Brain Networks:
Music engages multiple brain areas, including those involved in emotion, memory, and motor control. Studies using neuroimaging techniques have demonstrated that listening to and playing music can activate neural pathways that remain intact even after a stroke, facilitating cognitive and motor recovery.
Emotional and Psychological Benefits:
Music therapy can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, promoting a sense of well-being. For stroke survivors, the emotional connection to music can provide a therapeutic outlet, improving mood and overall quality of life.
Memory and Learning:
Musical memory is often preserved in individuals with memory impairments. The brain’s ability to remember and reproduce music, even when other memories are lost, highlights the unique and resilient nature of musical memory. This phenomenon is supported by research showing that music can help trigger autobiographical memories and enhance cognitive function.
Neuroplasticity:
Engaging in musical activities can promote neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections. This is particularly important for stroke rehabilitation, as it enables the brain to compensate for damaged areas and regain lost functions.
Research supporting Music Therapy
In an interview with The Australian Music Therapy Association, PhD Graduate Researcher and Registered Music Therapist (RMT) Tanya Marie Silveira described music therapy as a “massive superpower” in stroke rehabilitation. She highlighted that music therapy can address various rehabilitation goals, from physical and cognitive aspects to emotional well-being, leveraging music’s unique ability to stimulate multiple brain regions simultaneously.
Tanya shared her research, which combines music therapy with physiotherapy and occupational therapy to enhance hand function and overall well-being in stroke survivors. A poignant case involved a young stroke survivor who found joy and motivation in music, illustrating the profound impact of music therapy on recovery and quality of life.
Furthermore, a study published in the journal “Brain” by Oxford Academic found that music therapy can significantly enhance cognitive recovery and improve mood in stroke patients by stimulating various brain regions related to memory, attention, and emotions.
The study found that stroke patients who listened to music daily showed better memory, focus, and reduced depression compared to those who listened to audiobooks or no special material at all. These findings support incorporating personalised music therapy into rehabilitation programs for its holistic benefits on cognitive and emotional health.
Mrs. Johnson’s story is a testament to the incredible power of music therapy. Her ability to play the piano again, despite her memory challenges, illustrates the profound impact music can have on cognitive rehabilitation and emotional healing. Music therapy offers a promising and holistic approach to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with cognitive impairments, providing both cognitive and emotional benefits.
At Home Care Assistance, we are committed to exploring and implementing innovative therapies that support our clients’ well-being. Music therapy is one such approach, offering hope and joy to those on their journey to recovery. For more information on cognitive therapies and personalised interventions, visit our Cognitive Therapeutics Method website.
Should you or your loved one need support after experiencing a stroke, the Home Care Assistance Central Coast team is here to help you get the support and care you need. Contact our team today!
