(from left to right) Prof. Eckart Altenmüller, Dr. Sabine Schneider, both of the Institute for Music Physiology and Musicians’ Medicine; Sebastian Grein, Deutsche Bank

Hannover, 11th November 2009 – Each year approximately 200,000 people in Germany have a stroke. In most cases it comes out of the blue: both the patient and their relatives are often totally unprepared and helpless when facing the severe consequences of this kind of damage to the brain. Alongside paralysis, loss of memory, loss of sensation and speaking difficulties the major effects are to the motor system. To accelerate the rehabilitation of stroke patients, scientists at the Institute for Music Physiology and Musicians’ Medicine at the University for Music and Drama in Hannover have developed a special training programme. Patients learn to improve their motor functions by playing the piano – regardless of whether they have previously been able to play an instrument or not. Music therapy promotes the interlinking of particular parts of the brain and ensures that damaged connections between nerves are restored. This not only means that patients are able to regain motor control more quickly than with traditional methods, but that once they have been released from hospital they can easily continue the therapy at home. Proof of the huge success of this far-sighted treatment is that is already being copied.

For this outstanding contribution to the development of alternative therapies the “Music Training” project run by the Institute for Music Physiology and Musicians’ Medicine at the University for Music and Drama in Hannover was named as a “Selected Landmark in the Land of Ideas” on November 11th. This makes it part of Germany’s biggest network for courage, inquisitiveness and innovation.

To mark the award the university invited guests to attend an open day. Highlight of the event was the presentation of the cup, plaque and certificate signed by the Federal President to Professor Altenmüller of the Institute. In his prize-giving speech Sebastian Grein of Deutsche Bank praised the project for enabling people whose motor control has been severely impaired by a stroke to regain their skills and independence more quickly by participating in the training programme on the piano. “This innovative idea,” he continued, “is exemplary of the artistic and social potential to be found in Germany.”

It is a proven fact that music and the arts enhance the flexibility and productivity of the mind. Which is why Deutsche Bank supports cultural learning initiatives and educational projects which help people to discover their creativity and expand their horizons.