After experiencing a stroke in 2022, Serge Belloncik developed aphasia, a condition impacting his speech abilities. This change was significant for the 81-year-old scientist and former professor who was used to speaking at conferences and giving lectures regularly. While his communication skills have shown some improvement, he still faces challenges.
Participating in a research study, Belloncik is exploring the potential benefits of singing in a choir for individuals with aphasia. Meeting weekly with a small group of fellow aphasia sufferers at a community center in Montreal, he engages in vocal exercises and heart-rate monitoring before joining in singing sessions led by a vocal director on piano.
The study, led by Anna Zumbansen from the University of Ottawa’s school of rehabilitation sciences, is part of the SingWell initiative, focusing on the impact of group singing on individuals with chronic post-stroke aphasia. The study involves 12 choir sessions spread across Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, and Tampa Bay, aiming to demonstrate the positive effects of choir activity on language skills and social interactions for those with aphasia.
According to Édith Durand, a researcher from the Université de Québec à Trois-Rivières, the study seeks to show that engaging in choir activities can be beneficial not just for language improvement but also for enhancing social interactions, which can decline due to aphasia.
Studies have suggested that singing and techniques like melodic intonation therapy can help individuals with aphasia improve their ability to communicate by leveraging non-language functions such as rhythm and pitch. Dr. Alexander Thiel, a stroke neurologist at the Jewish General Hospital, highlighted the social significance of speech and the potential of choir participation in aiding communication recovery for individuals with aphasia.
While current treatments for aphasia primarily focus on the acute phase after a stroke, not all patients respond effectively to these approaches. Music-based interventions offer promise in utilizing non-language brain functions to aid communication, but further research is needed to validate their long-term efficacy for individuals with aphasia.
The ongoing study aims to raise the scientific standards in evaluating the effectiveness of group therapies like choir singing for individuals with aphasia. Researchers hope that positive outcomes from such interventions could complement existing speech therapy practices and benefit individuals worldwide dealing with aphasia. Belloncik remains optimistic that the study will contribute valuable insights to the treatment of aphasia, potentially offering effective solutions for others facing similar challenges.
