University of Michigan associate professor Jason Kiernan found a link between listening to music and the effectiveness of treatment. The data of the relevant study were presented in Science Daily.
The scientist noticed that the effect of antiemetic drugs used by his patients to relieve nausea after chemotherapy sessions was higher if they listened to music they liked for half an hour while taking the pills. A pilot study in which 12 people took part confirmed this hunch – the severity of symptoms decreased.
According to Kiernan, so far the collected data does not yet allow us to confidently assert that the positive effect was the result of music, and not medication. However, the study helped Kiernan to make an assumption about the mechanism of the effect of melodies on the human brain.
The scientist suggested that music activates various neurons in the brain and affects the release of hormones, in particular serotonin, a hormone that regulates human mood. “Serotonin is the main neurotransmitter that causes chemotherapy-induced nausea. Cancer patients take drugs that block the action of serotonin,” Kiernan continued. He suggested that under the influence of pleasant music, serotonin is not released and remains in platelets. According to Kiernan, this process could have a positive effect on the symptoms of patients.
Source: Rosbalt
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