Improvement of deficits in mnemonic rhyme for multiplication in Japanese aphasics

Since Japanese learn the multiplication tables by means of mnemonic rhymes called kuku, i.e., via the auditory-speaking route, it is hypothesized that aphasics who have a deficit in kuku might relearn it via the visual-writing route. After having ordinary language therapy for more than 3 months, eight patients were admitted to this special kuku training. The comparisons of scores on multiplication tests showed that the visual-writing route improved most after a 1- or 2-month training period while the auditory-speaking route improved least. These results, suggesting that the visual processor can take on the new role in conducting multiplication, can be considered a realization of functional reorganization in the brain.