In the 1980s and ’90s, Ron Spitzer was an active musician, playing bass and drums in various rock bands and engaging in songwriting and touring. Unfortunately, a stroke in 2009 left him partially paralyzed, impacting his ability to play music. However, he has found solace and healing through music once again by participating in a choir for stroke survivors at the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine in New York.
Studies are being conducted on the potential benefits of music for individuals with various conditions such as dementia, traumatic brain injuries, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. Music has been shown to activate multiple regions of the brain, strengthening connections between areas responsible for language, memories, emotions, and movement.
Dr. Preeti Raghavan, a stroke rehabilitation expert, explains that music can increase levels of a specific protein in the brain, aiding in the formation of new connections between neurons and facilitating brain rewiring.
Choirs like the one at Mount Sinai not only offer healing through music but also provide a sense of community and understanding among stroke survivors, allowing them to feel supported without having to constantly explain their limitations.
Despite the challenges stroke survivors face, such as aphasia impacting speech retrieval, singing ability often remains intact. Singing has been found to assist stroke survivors in improving their speech capabilities.
More rigorous research is needed to further explore the therapeutic benefits of music and its potential to treat symptoms of various conditions. This research is crucial for the broader acceptance and reimbursement of music therapy by health insurers.
The Mount Sinai study, in which Spitzer is involved, aims to evaluate how choir participation influences speech and mood in stroke survivors. The study also considers the impact on caregivers who participate in the choir.
Following completion of several rehabilitation programs, Ron Spitzer attributes a significant part of his recovery to the stroke choir. Despite facing challenges, such as losing the ability to sing familiar tunes, he has regained his singing voice and finds participating in the choir invigorating.
Overall, music therapy shows promising potential in aiding the recovery and well-being of individuals affected by strokes and other conditions, highlighting the importance of further research and recognition in healthcare practices.
