Music therapy (MT) is a non-pharmacological treatment widely used to deal with dysfunctions caused by various illnesses, particularly diseases and/or disorders of the human nervous system. Defined as a systematic intervention applied by medical experts, MT can provide substantial physiological changes during therapy activation by enhancing the cognitive abilities and well-being of patients (Iseri et al., 2014; Park et al., 2023; Cheour et al., 2023).
The concept of music therapy has already been part of history dating back to ancient Egyptians around 15000 BCE. This is based on ancient cross-cultural beliefs that it has physiological effects on the human body (Thaut, 2015). In the study of Gasenzer & Neugebauer (2011), prehistoric music is one of the vital components of early medical procedures.
In the modern era, research and case studies are established to further solidify the effectiveness of music as therapy for various illnesses occurring. This method has proven significant results as a treatment, gaining importance in the medical field. Several reports show that this intervention improved patients’ health concerns, specifically neuro-related diseases and/or disorders through different approaches applied in targeting the brain by generating a limbic response using the musical sound. The limbic system is part of the brain located underneath the cerebral cortex and above the main stem. This system is responsible for behavioral and emotional responses such as adrenaline rush, feeding, reproduction, etc. (Iseri et al., 2014; The University of Queensland, 2024). Hence, atypical structures and responses of the limbic system commonly result in different diseases and/or disorders such as Alzheimer’s, ADHD, and Autism.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), also known as dementia, is a progressive disease caused by damage to the central nervous system. This gradually affects the essential body functions and cognitive ability of the person, beginning with mild memory loss (Cheour et al., 2023; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). AD is associated with severe degeneration of cerebral neurons and synapse alterations, including the temporal, parietal, and frontal cortices. Patients under this condition are caused by a damaged limbic system. Acquiring AD is related to aging, genetics, environmental, or lifestyle factors (National Institute of Aging, 2023).
Although the exact cause of AD is unknown, aberrant protein accumulation in and around the brain cells is one of the assumed causes. Hence, pharmacological treatments are one of the used approaches to deal with the disease. However, it appears to be unsatisfactory and has minimal significance for patients with AD. Drugs intended for treating it are unable to slow or stop the progression of this pathology (Cheour et al., 2023; O’Brien et al., 2017).
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Alzheimer’s, ADHD, and Autism as neuro-related illnesses are subjected to different therapies as parts of their medication. Music therapy is a suggested non-pharmaceutical treatment (Cheour, et al., 2023; Park et al., 2023; Iseri, et al, 2014). In recent years, several scientific sources have been tested for this treatment to improve patients' health linked with the diseases and disorders mentioned above. With the latest cases of AD, ADHD, and ASD, the constant emergence of this strategic intervention is consistently explored, highlighting its potential for broader applications in the future.
References:
AbuHasan, Q. (2023). Neuroanatomy, amygdala. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537102/
Anand, K. S., & Dhikav, V. (2012). Hippocampus in health and disease: An overview. Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, 15(4), 239. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-2327.104323
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. doi:https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm#:~:text=Alzheimer's%20disease%20is%20the%20most,thought%2C%20memory%2C%20and%20language.
Cheour, S., Chéour, C., Gendreau, T., Bouazizi, M., Singh, K. P., Saeidi, A., Tao, D., Supriya, R., Bragazzi, N. L., Baker, J. S., & Chéour, F. (2023). Remediation of cognitive and motor functions in Tunisian elderly patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease: implications of music therapy and/or physical rehabilitation. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2023.1216052
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Park, J., Lee, I., Lee, S., Kwon, R., Choo, E., Nam, H., & Lee, J. (2023). Effects of music therapy as an alternative treatment on depression in children and adolescents with ADHD by activating serotonin and improving stress coping ability. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-022-03832-6
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