Dr Luis Fornazzari’s lecture at Deerhurst. Continued

Dr Fornazzari is a medical doctor and a Behavioural Neurologist. continuing from notes taken at lecture. (Previously dated 21 Jun 18) Art and music is universal and unique. In all cultures there is art and music and without it, there is no culture. 500,000 years ago there was art. Before we were able to talk, we played music. Artists who suffer disorders are able to compose and write complex music though suffering dementia. We were shown photos of Ravel’s brain. When listening to music, the right and left hemispheres of the brain was activated. Passive listening - When musicians listen to music, the frontal lobe is activated as well. In Dr Fornazzari’s opinion we should be listening to music day and night. (I recommend music and art as homework for therapeutic reasons as well as journaling in my practice). Musical Pleasure and rewards - Reward system is central to the pleasure of experiencing. Activates serotonin. It activates the area of planning and judgement (frontal cortex). We are activating many functions of the brain just by passive listening. Music improves sleep, decreasing wandering, reduces agitation, decreases inappropriate behaviors etc. Improves community, social affiliation, stress and arousal. Music helps in patients going to surgery, cognitive intervention etc… Also autism, brain surgery, transplants…There is enough studies that music help patients exposed to music. There is less stress and anxiety. Music is an aid to post operation recovery in adults. There is less pain. With live harp playing there was a marked decrease in pain and anxiety in vascular and thoracic surgery. Even in general anesthetic when there was music the patient did much better. It is unknown why. To be continued with a Case Study by Dr Fornazzari next week (Preservation of expisodic musical memory in a pianist with Alzheimer. Have a great weekend. www.redigondapsychotherapy.com