Neuroscientific clarification of language processing through auditory and visual pathways in patients with cleft lip and palate.

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25893074
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Orthodontics/Pediatric dentistry
• Research Institution: Tokyo Medical and Dental University
• Principal Investigator: HIKITA Rina 東京医科歯科大学, 歯学部附属病院, 医員 (90706904)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-08-30 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 口唇口蓋裂 / 脳科学 / fMRI / 視聴覚統合 / 構音障害 / 聴覚認知

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between long-term dysarthria and the pattern of auditory perception in adults with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and to examine their brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Four adults having CLP with dysarthria were included in this study. We examined patients’ correct response rates of normal and abnormal articulation in a listening task, while simultaneously performing fMRI data evaluation. The corresponding brain activity patterns were then evaluated. Our findings revealed that the abnormal articulation perception pattern of CLP patients with dysarthria, which persisted until adulthood, was different from that of healthy individuals. In addition, brain regions involved in voice perception have been suggested to have low activity in such patients. Our study also highlights the importance of logotherapy for enhancement of auditory perception in patients with CLP.

Free Research Field

矯正歯科