5 Proven Benefits of Music Therapy on Most Common Parkinson’s Symptoms

Parkinson’s and Music Therapy – Introduction

Music therapy has emerged as a powerful tool in the treatment of Parkinson’s, offering a wide range of benefits for those living with this condition.

In this blog post, we will explore the 5 proven benefits of music therapy on the most common symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Whether you or a loved one are personally affected by Parkinson’s or simply interested in the transformative potential of music therapy, this article will provide valuable insights into how this innovative approach can make a positive impact.

So, let’s dive into the world of Parkinson’s and music therapy, and discover how this harmonious combination can bring about meaningful improvements in the lives of individuals with Parkinson’s.

5 Proven Benefits of Music Therapy on the Most Common Parkinson’s Symptoms

Parkinson’s can throw your life off-key, but music therapy can be the conductor, leading you toward a harmonious existence. Here’s a closer look at Parkinson’s and music therapy and five specific ways it tackles common symptoms:

1. Rhythm to the Rescue for Movement:

• Imagine: Struggling to take long strides or freezing mid-step.
• Music’s Solution: Rhythmic cues from upbeat music act as a metronome, guiding larger steps and smoother turns. Studies show increased gait speed and reduced freezing with music-based gait training. For example, a therapist might use a lively polka beat to encourage larger, quicker steps.

2. Singing for Strength:

• Imagine: Difficulty speaking or experiencing tremors in your voice.
• Music’s Solution: Singing exercises strengthen vocal muscles, improving volume, clarity, and vocal quality. Deep breathing techniques incorporated into singing also enhance lung function, aiding speech and overall well-being. Visualize exercises like humming scales or singing vowels with exaggerated mouth movements.

3. Mood Boosting:

• Imagine: Feeling down or anxious due to Parkinson’s challenges.
• Music’s Solution: Uplifting melodies and familiar tunes trigger the release of endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that combat depression and anxiety. Studies show increased positive emotions and decreased anxiety in patients engaged in music therapy sessions. Think about listening to favorite playlists that evoke happy memories or singing along to cheerful choruses.

4. Memory

• Imagine: Struggling to remember names or recent events.
• Music’s Solution: Familiar songs act as memory cues, stimulating specific brain regions and improving cognitive function. Singing familiar lyrics reinforces memory pathways, and studies suggest positive effects on short-term memory and language processing. Picture yourself belting out childhood songs and rekindling forgotten memories.

5. Community Harmony:

• Imagine: Feeling isolated or alone due to Parkinson’s.
• Music’s Solution: Group music therapy sessions create a sense of community and belonging. Sharing music in a supportive environment reduces loneliness and fosters social interaction. Picture drumming circles, group singalongs, or collaborative musical improvisation, all building connections and providing emotional support.

Remember, Parkinson’s and music therapy’s benefits are most potent when tailored to individual needs and preferences. Consult a certified music therapist to experience the full potential of this powerful tool in managing Parkinson’s symptoms and embracing a more harmonious life.

References for Parkinson’s and Music Therapy:

Music Therapy and Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review from 2015–2020

Machado Sotomayor MJ, Arufe-Giráldez V, Ruíz-Rico G, Navarro-Patón R. Music Therapy and Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review from 2015-2020. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Nov 4;18(21):11618. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182111618. PMID: 34770129; PMCID: PMC8582661.

Benefits of dance for Parkinson’s: The music, the moves, and the company

Jola C, Sundström M, McLeod J. Benefits of dance for Parkinson’s: The music, the moves, and the company. PLoS One. 2022 Nov 21;17(11):e0265921. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265921. PMID: 36409733; PMCID: PMC9678293.

For more information on Music and Parkinson’s read my article

Parkinson’s and Music Therapy – Getting Started

Ready to harmonize your health with music?

Parkinson’s symptoms like shuffling steps, shaky voices, and low spirits can find their counterpoint in a symphony of sounds. Here’s your first note:

• Start by exploring your own musical landscape.
  • Dig out those dusty childhood albums, tune into playlists that uplift your mood, or even hum familiar tunes that spark joy.
  • Notice how specific music affects your movement, emotions, and memories. This self-discovery paves the way for a personalized music therapy journey.

• Connect with a certified music therapist who can craft a program tailored to your needs.
  • Whether it’s rhythmic drumming to improve gait, gentle singing exercises to strengthen your voice, or group choir sessions to combat loneliness, they’ll orchestrate a plan that resonates with you.

• Make music a daily habit.
  • Sing in the shower, tap your foot to the radio, or join a local music therapy group.
  • Remember, consistency is key!
  • With each note, you’ll be harmonizing your well-being, adding a vibrant chorus to your life with Parkinson’s.
  • So, embrace the rhythm, find your melody, and let music be your guide to a more joyful, harmonious existence.

Resources for Parkinson’s and Music Therapy

Ask the MD: Music Therapy and Parkinson’s, Michael J. Fox Foundation, Rachel Dolhun, M.D., May 2022

To follow my journey with Parkinson’s and how music has helped me live a great quality of life, get my book on Amazonhttps://a.co/d/3c8OcYS

Parkinson’s and Music Therapy – What’s Best for You

When it comes to harnessing music therapy for your unique Parkinson’s journey, “one size fits all” is replaced with “find your perfect pitch.”

Forget prescriptions and playlists curated by algorithms. The magic lies in discovering music that resonates with your soul and complements your specific needs.

• Step one: self-exploration.
  • What music makes your feet tap and your heart soar?
  • Does a gentle ballad soothe your anxieties, or does a lively beat energize your steps?
  • Pay attention to how different genres and tempos affect your movement, mood, and cognitive function.
• Step two: consult a certified music therapist.
• They’ll act as your conductor, translating your musical preferences into personalized interventions.
• If tremors trouble you, rhythmic drumming might be your forte.
• Struggling with speech? Vocal exercises disguised as playful song creation could be your ticket to clearer communication.
• Feeling isolated? A community choir might become your weekly sanctuary.
• Remember, this journey is yours to compose.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with diverse instruments, melodies, and activities.
• Perhaps drumming feels clunky but hand bells spark joy.
• Maybe group singing feels overwhelming, but solo improvisation unleashes your inner musician.
• Embrace the freedom to explore and celebrate the music that moves you, both literally and figuratively.

In the symphony of your life with Parkinson’s, let music be the conductor, guiding you towards improved movement, brighter moods, and deeper connections. Find your rhythm, discover your harmony, and compose a life beautifully orchestrated by the power of music therapy.

Parkinson’s and Music Therapy Conclusion

Parkinson’s symptoms may cast a shadow over your life, but music therapy can be the spotlight, illuminating pathways to greater well-being.

From guiding steadier steps to strengthening your voice, boosting mood, and igniting memories, music’s melody offers a symphony of benefits. And best of all, the conductor is you.

Discover the music that moves you, explore the activities that resonate, and embrace the harmony that blossoms when music meets your unique needs.

So, turn up the volume, let the rhythm guide you, and experience the transformative power of music therapy as it reorchestrates your life with Parkinson’s into a beautiful, uplifting composition.

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