Speaking of Psychology
Harnessing the healing power of music, with Renée Fleming and Aniruddh Patel, PhD
Sep 11, 2024
Renée Fleming, a celebrated soprano and editor of a new book on music and health, teams up with Aniruddh Patel, PhD, a leading music cognition researcher. They delve into the therapeutic benefits of music for conditions like Parkinson's and stroke recovery. The duo discusses the evolutionary roots of human musicality and the intriguing connections between music and mental health. They highlight the critical role of music therapy in enhancing cognitive functions and emotional recovery, while advocating for more integration of the arts in healthcare.
40:15
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Quick takeaways
- Music therapies effectively treat diverse health conditions, utilizing its calming effects and engaging brain plasticity for recovery.
- Ongoing research into music's evolutionary role is revealing insights that inform both the development of music therapies and cognitive benefits.
Deep dives
Music as a Healing Tool
Music has long been recognized for its calming and healing properties, and recent scientific research has begun to uncover the mechanisms behind its effects on the brain and body. Studies have shown that music can aid in the treatment of conditions such as chronic pain, Parkinson's disease, and recovery from strokes. For instance, therapies such as melodic intonation therapy, which utilizes music to help patients regain speech after brain injuries, demonstrate how music can facilitate remarkable improvements in communication abilities. This activity not only engages multiple areas of the brain but also leverages its plasticity, allowing patients to overcome motor deficits that often accompany such conditions.
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