Re: Musical abilities are among the last to be lost in cases of brain damage?

[Harriet B Jacobster <Hjacobster@xxxxxxx>]

In a message dated 2/28/2005 8:37:49 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, nombraun@xxxxxxxxx writes:

Today we have data showing similar signs of appreciation of Mozart's music
in rats as in humans. These signs have been measured in autonomic neural
activity and in neurochemistry. Clearly, the rats had no language-like
skills to perceive Mozart's music. But they still could show that their
brains loved it.

This seems not only biologically based but logical as well.  Music, or melodic and rhythmic patterns, has long been the method of communication in many animal species.  Music therefore would be a more primitive innate ability. 

 

In response to an earlier question, there have been documented occurrences of composers continuing to compose even after the onset of dementia; one famous example is Ravel who composed his Bolero while in the throes of dementia. 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harriet B. Jacobster, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA
Board Certified in Audiology
Clinical Supervisor
Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, New York
(914) 674-7742
hjacobster@xxxxxxxxx