Summary: Researchers at the University of Helsinki found that singing aids language recovery in stroke patients by repairing the brain’s damaged language network, with MRI scans showing increased grey matter and improved connectivity, offering a cost-effective therapy option.

Key Takeaways

  • Researchers found that singing helps repair the brain’s language network damaged by strokes, aiding in aphasia recovery through neuroplasticity.
  • Singing increases grey matter in the left frontal lobe and improves connectivity in both brain hemispheres, leading to better speech production in aphasia patients.
  • Singing is an affordable treatment that improves patients’ abilities and quality of life, and can be easily integrated into traditional therapies or used as a primary therapy when other options are limited.

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Researchers at the University of Helsinki found that singing aids language recovery in stroke patients. Strokes, the leading cause of aphasia, affect speech and language in 40% of survivors, with half still showing symptoms a year later.

The study shows that singing helps repair the brain’s language network, which processes language and speech. In aphasia patients, this network is damaged. “Our research shows that singing aids aphasia recovery through neuroplasticity,” says University Researcher Aleksi Sihvonen, MD, PhD.

Brain Connectivity in Aphasia Patients

Singing strengthens language pathways in the brain. The language network includes brain areas handling language and the white matter tracts connecting them. The study found that singing increased grey matter in the left frontal lobe and improved connectivity in both hemispheres. “These changes were linked to better speech production in patients,” Sihvonen says.

The study included 54 aphasia patients, with 28 undergoing MRI scans before and after the study. Researchers used choir singing, music therapy, and home singing exercises.

Improving Aphasia Patients’ Quality of Life

Singing is an affordable treatment for aphasia, improving patients’ abilities and quality of life, and reducing social isolation. Sihvonen suggests that singing can supplement traditional therapies or serve as primary therapy when other options are unavailable.

“Patients can sing with their families, and group singing sessions can be organized in healthcare settings as cost-effective therapy,” Sihvonen says.