This article examines the impact of music therapy on people experiencing lost or damaged language ability. It excludes “primary progressive” aphasia, though. A primary focus of this research was a connective structure in the brain called the “Fasciculus Arcuatus”, which connects two speech areas of the brain. Researchers found that over 75 sessions, music therapy participants who received the Neurologic Music Therapy training called “Melodic Intonation Therapy” developed structural changes in this connective structure. In simple terms, it means that through the use of music, the brain strengthened and recruited different language structures, to improve the client’s expressive communication.

“The use of musical elements, among which rhythm also plays a prominent role, serves to activate the competent regions of the intact right hemisphere in terms of language abilities”.

The researchers noted some additional benefits of participating in music therapy: client increased self-confidence, motivation, and the stress they would usually experience – such as anxiety, fear, social isolation, withdrawal, sadness, and hopelessness – associated with the loss of their speech was reduced.

For all the details, please view the original study:

Juhos-Kiss, E., Szabó, L., Boncz, I., & Pusztafalvi, H. (2024). PCR129 Indirect Effects of Music Therapy for Aphasia. Value in Health, 27(6), S319–S319. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jval.2024.03.2008