Chiltern Music Therapy

Neurologic music therapy

Neurologic Music Therapy or NMT is an evidence-based treatment using a number of specific Neurological Music Therapy techniques to work on improving problems in three main areas: Cognition, Communication and Movement. Neurologic Music Therapy techniques are based on the scientific knowledge in music perception and production and the effects thereof on non-musical brain and behaviour functions. Populations served by Neurologic Music Therapists include, but are not limited to: stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer's disease, autism, and other neurological diseases affecting cognition, movement, and communication (e.g., MS, Muscular Dystrophy, etc). (Thaut, 2000) The fact that music and rhythm is processed in many different areas in the brain means that it is in a unique position to restore function in place of those areas damaged by disease or injury. Music can bypass the injury or damaged area to recover function elsewhere. For example, a client with a brain injury, who has damage to the temporal lobe may have difficulty in remembering or carrying out the complex motor and cognitive processes needed in order to get dressed. Performing or learning this task through music or song means that a different part of the brain is used and the activity can successfully be re-learned. It is common to have joint sessions with Physiotherapists, Occupational therapists and Speech and Language therapists in setting goals and objectives. Specific NMT techniques are then used to work with clients on a functional basis to achieve those goals. For more information please visit: http://www.colostate.edu/depts/cbrm/ Click on 'Definitions' or 'References,' which are divided into Cognition, Speech and Language and Sensorimotor.