In premature babies, Music strengthens connections in certain areas of the brain. For several years, the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG) have been studying this phenomenon. We now know more clearly which areas of the brain respond to music.
Children born prematurely are more likely to suffer from deficits in attention or emotional control, among other things. For almost ten years, a team supported by the Swiss National Fund (SNSF) has been studying an original solution to prevent these problems: music.
HUG scientists exposed several cohorts of infants born at an average of 29 weeks. Their latest study, published in the journal Imaging Neuroscience, shows that music strengthens brain connectivity in areas of the brain normally affected in premature babies.
The program’s final cohort included 60 premature babies, 32 of whom were exposed to music, while 28 served as a control group. Under MRI, improvements are visible from the age of 33 weeks, the FNS said in a press release on Tuesday.
Scientists have observed better development of connections between certain areas, particularly in the so-called “salience” brain network, which is used to identify sounds or other stimuli and recognize their importance or socio-emotional relevance.
The connections between two regions of the brain – the insular cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex – are notably involved in the faculty of salience. “Children born prematurely almost always have reduced connectivity in this network, and this characteristic persists into adulthood,” explains Petra Hüppi, head of the research program, quoted in the press release.
-Music by Andreas Vollenweider
The scientists used eight-minute musical samples to accompany each newborn individually, with headphones, during the transition between sleep and wakefulness. The Zurich composer Andreas Vollenweider has created ad hoc pieces, which soothingly punctuate the daily rhythm of the infant. Melodies that babies can learn to recognize.
If the effects of music therapy are clearly visible on the MRI, it is still too early to determine whether the approach has long-term benefits. But scientists could soon find out more with the first cohort of patients, born in 2016.
Around twenty subjects, who today reach their eight years old. An adequate age to take another turn under the MRI, but also and above all to take cognitive and behavioral tests. The work is currently in progress. If concrete benefits were to be confirmed, music could integrate neonatal intensive care units around the world, concludes the FNS.
This article was automatically published. Source: ats
