Singing Heals Aphasia After Stroke

A groundbreaking study is investigating the therapeutic potential of choir singing for individuals diagnosed with aphasia, a condition impairing speech and communication following strokes. Participants, like Serge Belloncik, engage in weekly choir sessions, finding renewed opportunities to practice speaking and reclaim their voices.

This research, led by Anna Zumbansen and part of the global SingWell network, involves multiple sites including Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, and Tampa Bay. Researchers are meticulously tracking vocal tests and heart rates, hoping to provide concrete evidence of choir singing's positive impact on language and social well-being.

Previous findings suggest that musical interventions, such as melodic intonation therapy, can leverage unaffected brain regions to aid communication. This study aims to build upon existing research, rigorously examining whether group singing offers a sustainable and effective supplementary treatment for aphasia, potentially benefiting clinicians worldwide.