Cerebrovascular accidents, better known as strokes, are a common cause of aphasia, a speech disorder that affects a person’s ability to understand or produce speech or written language. It is estimated that around 40% of individuals who have suffered a stroke will also experience symptoms of aphasia, with up to half of them still experiencing these symptoms even a year after the stroke. Researchers at the University of Helsinki have found that singing can have a positive impact on the language recovery of stroke patients with aphasia.
These researchers have recently published a study in the eNeuro journal, revealing that singing has a rehabilitative effect on individuals with aphasia by repairing the structural language network of the brain. The language network is responsible for processing language and speech in the brain, and damage to this network can lead to speech impairments. The study found that singing increased the volume of grey matter in the language regions of the left frontal lobe and improved tract connectivity in the language network of both hemispheres, resulting in improved speech production for the patients involved in the study.
In the study, 54 aphasia patients participated, with 28 of them undergoing MRI scans at the beginning and end of the study to evaluate the rehabilitative effect of singing. The researchers utilized choir singing, music therapy, and at-home singing exercises to assess the impact of singing on language recovery in these patients. The findings suggest that singing can be a cost-effective addition to conventional forms of rehabilitation for aphasia patients, as it can improve speech production and overall quality of life for those affected by this disorder.
Aphasia can significantly impact an individual’s functional capacity and quality of life, often leading to social isolation. Singing has been shown to be an effective way to improve speech disorders, particularly for those who may have limited access to other forms of rehabilitation. Singing can also be done with family members or in healthcare settings as a group-based, cost-efficient rehabilitation option for individuals with mild speech disorders. Overall, the research conducted at the University of Helsinki highlights the potential benefits of singing as a rehabilitative treatment for individuals with aphasia following a stroke.
The study conducted by the University of Helsinki sheds light on the neuroplasticity changes that occur in the brain when individuals with aphasia engage in singing as a form of rehabilitation. By repairing the damaged language network in the brain, singing helps to improve speech production and overall language recovery for stroke patients affected by aphasia. This cost-effective and accessible treatment option can have a positive impact on the lives of those affected by aphasia, enhancing their communication skills and social interactions. As further research continues to explore the benefits of singing in language recovery, it has the potential to be integrated into standard rehabilitation practices for individuals with speech disorders.