Changes in resting-state connectivity following melody-based therapy in a patient with aphasia

Tali Bitan, Tijana Simic, Cristina Saverino, Cheryl Jones, Joanna Glazer, Brenda Collela, Catherine Wiseman-Hakes, Robin Green, Elizabeth Rochon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Melody-based treatments for patients with aphasia rely on the notion of preserved musical abilities in the RH, following left hemisphere damage. However, despite evidence for their effectiveness, the role of the RH is still an open question. We measured changes in resting-state functional connectivity following melody-based intervention, to identify lateralization of treatmentrelated changes. A patient with aphasia due to left frontal and temporal hemorrhages following traumatic brain injuries (TBI) more than three years earlier received 48 sessions of melody-based intervention. Behavioral measures improved and were maintained at the 8-week posttreatment follow-up. Resting-state fMRI data collected before and after treatment showed an increase in connectivity between motor speech control areas (bilateral supplementary motor areas and insulae) and RH language areas (inferior frontal gyrus pars triangularis and pars opercularis). This change, which was specific for the RH, was greater than changes in a baseline interval measured before treatment. No changes in RH connectivity were found in a matched control TBI patient scanned at the same intervals. These results are compatible with a compensatory role for RH language areas following melody-based intervention. They further suggest that this therapy intervenes at the level of the interface between language areas and speech motor control areas necessary for language production.

Original languageEnglish
Article number6214095
JournalNeural Plasticity
Volume2018
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 Tali Bitan et al.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

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