Abstract

Music is a powerful stimulus to our brain and not only an excellent source of enjoyment, learning or relaxing. During the last 20 years there is new considerable evidence of the extensive neural circuits involved in music processing and the morphologic, neurochemical and electrophysiological changes that music can induce. Our population is aging and there will be an increase in the prevalence for neurodegenerative conditions like dementias that still have no cure. There is consequently an urgent need to develop treatments and activities that may alleviate the symptoms of dementia. Accumulating evidence shows that persons with dementia enjoy music, and their ability to respond to music is potentially preserved even in the late or severe stages of dementia when verbal communication may have ceased. Even though the diverse studies reporting benefits of music therapy in conditions such as Dementia, Parkinson, Epilepsy, Cancer, etc. have important methodologic flaws, Music can have a role as a therapeutic tool in these conditions. Herein, we analyze the current evidence that may support the use of Music in different conditions in Medicine.