"Drum training induces long-term plasticity in the cerebellum"

[Ben_]

Hi, just joined but hoping to find a place to share knowledge and experience. I'm 57 and first noticed symptoms 7 years ago. I and 1 brother inherited it (Cerebellum Ataxia) from my mother and have, luckily, the minimum 'counts' (SCA1) that lead to symptoms, so our rate of deterioration seems relatively low.

Wanted to share that have just started drumming (on a djembe) and it feels like a great workout for the brain - and here via a quick google search seems to confirm its benefits! 🙂

nature.com/articles/s41598-...

Would be very interested to hear/find others' experience of what has/is helping them....

Ben

[benning]

Thanx for this,it does sounds good, I,ll try anything ,if it improve my condition. I'll let u know how I get on....

[Ben_ in reply to benning]

Good stuff, I find it really good fun too.

[wobblybee]

🤔 I can see how repetitive movements could be beneficial, but repetitive drumming or any similar repetitive sound would likely set my teeth on edge. Some people will find the drumming soothing, my ataxia is linked with Epilepsy and repetition is a bad idea. Similarly I can’t tolerate Rap...

[Ben_ in reply to wobblybee]

Ah yes, perhaps not for you then. Shame as lovely to be taken 'out of the head' for a while. Hope you can access something equally transporting!

[wobblybee in reply to Ben_]

🙂 I actually have no trouble ‘transporting’ myself. I escape far too often😉

[penelope2]

Hi Ben, I used to touch type ie.without looking at keyboard, for work. Did some typing and noticed that after this my balance improved, only temporarily unfortunately.Also used to play piano at beginner level, but have decided to get a keyboard again as I think having to work the brain and hands will only be therapeutic for the ataxia symptoms.

I am lucky that so far have managed to maintain dexterity in my hands. Also I knit regularly which I think has helped this.

Good luck with the drums 🥁