Relatively preserved knowledge of music in semantic dementia

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2009 Jul;80(7):808-9. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.2008.153130.

Abstract

The brain basis for music knowledge and the effects of disease on music cognition are poorly understood. Here we present evidence for relatively preserved knowledge of music in a musically untrained patient with semantic dementia and characteristic asymmetric anterior temporal lobe atrophy. Our findings suggest that music is partly separable neuropsychologically and anatomically from other semantic domains, with implications for the clinical management of patients with brain disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Comprehension*
  • Dementia / diagnosis
  • Dementia / pathology*
  • Dementia / physiopathology*
  • Functional Laterality
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Music*
  • Semantics
  • Temporal Lobe / pathology*