Music as a means of training and rehabilitation across the lifespan

During the past two decades, our knowledge about the brain functions and structures underlying music perception, performance, and emotion has accumulated relatively fast. Several brain areas involved in these musical functions have been identified using various techniques and paradigms. However, much less is known about the brain determinants underlying music learning and music therapy.

In this talk, Dr. Mari Tervaniemi will introduce data revealing the impact of music learning on brain functions and show results about music rehabilitation obtained from dementia patients. These recent data indicate that music-related activities, both in terms of singing and listening to familiar songs, can effectively boost the emotional and cognitive well-being of the patients as well as their caregivers.