Work

Investigating Musical Disorders with Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: The arcuate fasciculus (AF) is a bundle of white matter traditionally thought to be responsible for language function. However, its role in music is not known. Here we investigate the connectivity of the AF using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and show that musically tone-deaf individuals, who show impairments in pitch discrimination, have reduced connectivity in the AF relative to musically normal-functioning control subjects. Results were robust to variations in imaging parameters and emphasize the importance of brain connectivity in para-linguistic processes, such as music.

Source: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04781.x

Authors: Psyche Loui, Gottfried Schlaug

Institutions: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University

Language: English

Topic: Neuroscience and Music Perception

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders