Abstract
“Amusia” is defined as the impairment of musical abilities in patients with localized cerebral damages. This syndrome has been one of great interest among neuropsychologists. In order to assess various aspects of patients' musical abilities several comprehensive test batteries have been designed and introduced into clinical use. However, most of them are not appropriate for practical use because of numerous test items or items too difficult for patients who have never received special musical education. For further study of amusia, selected clinical cases and appropriate test batteries are needed.
In order to study disturbed musical abilities in patients with aphasia or auditory agnosia, the author used a questionnaire and the Seashore test. The results obtained demonstrated that in aphasic patients without auditory agnosia, some musical abilities including “listening”, “singing” or “playing instruments” were preserved.
This study suggests that use of music as one part of speech therapy for aphasic patients is of a great value and a promising topic for further study.
