Why Music in Neurology? - Why Music in Neurology? - Open Access Pub

In the last years we could find many uses of music in different clinical settings, also in the field of neurology. In this field empirical results, but also scientific studies, showed the efficacy of music interventions on psychological, cognitive and motor aspects. This is consistent with strong effects of music on brain areas. Music can stimulate and modulate/regulate cognitive functions, behaviors, movements and emotions. Music plays an important role also from a psychological point of view, increasing motivation and promoting relationships and communication. Literature has showed how music interventions can improve behavioral, cognitive, motor, psychological, relational and emotional outcomes in different neurological pathologies. Significant results are present in particular in dementia, stroke and Parkinson's disease. We can find also minor results and qualitative research approaches in multiple sclerosis and in other brain injury such as vegetative and minimally conscious state. More rigorous methodologies and criteria of research are needed to support and strengthen the therapeutic value of music. DOI10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-14-483 Music has been a universal and natural way to communicate and to express emotions for individuals ever since. In the last years we could find many uses of music in different clinical settings, also in the field of neurology. Empirical results, but also scientific studies, showed the efficacy of music interventions on psychological, cognitive and motor aspects. This is consistent with strong effects of music on brain areas: auditory cortex, premotor, motor, limbic and paralimbic areas, but also frontal regions in the processing of more complex components of music.1, 2, 3 Recent studies underlined also a strong link between sounds and mirror neuron system areas.4 An intriguing hypothesis is that music, through its action on the brain, can stimulate and modulate/regulate cognitive functions, behaviors, movements and emotions.5, 4 Music plays an important role also from a psychological point of view, increasing motivation and promoting relationships and communication.6 Literature has showed how music interventions can improve behavioral, cognitive, motor, relational and emotional outcomes in different neurological pathologies. Significant results and rigorous research methodology are present in the literature, mainly in dementia, stroke and Parkinson's disease, while it can find minor results and qualitative research approaches in multiple sclerosis and in other brain injury such as vegetative and minimally conscious