Dementia can lead to musical prowess
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Great musical ability can be acquired by people who develop dementia, says a study showing loss of function in one area of the brain can lead to the release of new skills elsewhere.
Great musical ability can be acquired by people who develop dementia, says a study showing loss of function in one area of the brain can lead to the release of new skills elsewhere.
The research, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, could change the way people suffering dementia are treated. Non-musical people can become accomplished composers and artists can paint long after they are unable to talk.
Doctors long thought people who develop the disease as they get older only progressively lose brain capacity, but this study shows they may gain new functions to compensate.
The findings have historical resonance. The German composer Robert Schumann began to lose his mind near the end of his life and suffered severe tinnitis. But he declared that "the angels in heaven dictated the melody" to him.
In the study, Professor Bruce Millar and colleagues at the University of California at San Francisco School of Medicine examined 12 patients. Seven developed new skills. The other five maintained visual and, or, musical abilities, despite the progression of dementia.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments