I was just reading the Times of India (April 13, 2008) news item "Musical way to recover from illness" and wish to advise my friends the abstract:

* A series of experiments on animals has shown that a stimulating and enriching environment can signifacantly enhance recovery from a stroke.

* The reported results of humans have been remarkable - as reported by scientists from Finland and Canada.

* Verbal memory (ability to recall a 10 word list) and focused attention (ability to stay alert for long durations) improved significantly in the music group compared to the others.

* Based on psychological testing, patients in the music group were less depressed and less confused compared with the patients in the no listening group.

* Adding music in the rehabilitation periods may provide significant improvement as well as pleasure to the recovery process.

So friends, use music for your near and dear ones, who are suffering from illness. All the best.