Neural correlates of rhythm in post-stroke aphasia

• DOI: 10.1162/nol.a.9
• Publication Date: 2025-05-06T19:05:30Z
• Authors: Anna V. Kasdan; Marianne Casilio; Katherine M. Bryan; Nori Jacoby; Noah R. Fram; Lily Walljasper; Deborah F. Levy; Michael de Riesthal; Reyna L. Gordon; Stephen M. Wilson
• Keywords: Stroke

Abstract Individuals with post-stroke aphasia have long been observed to show relatively preserved musical and rhythm abilities in the presence of varied, often profound, language impairments. Accordingly, speech-language pathologists frequently use rhythm-based strategies (e.g., tapping) facilitate speech output people aphasia. However, there is little empirical work support clinical practice using techniques.In this study, we investigated neural bases by combining thorough behavioral assessments structural brain imaging. chronic, (n=33) a matched neurotypical control group (n=29) completed rigorous battery production perception tasks.We found marked individual variability within group, about one third individuals showing impaired processing, while remaining two-thirds performed range. Using lesion-symptom mapping, that tapping performance was associated damage left temporoparietal area, extending into white matter specifically arcuate fasciculus. That is, who struggled tended region. Tapping also scores, but not motor speech, group.These findings, which systematically link rhythm, language, brain, potential being translated for understanding patients may benefit most from treatments. Our study population focal injury complements evolutionary highlighting importance temporo-parietal region underlying beat synchronization.