Music Therapy: How Music Aids in the Treatment for Parkinson's Disease

According to statistics, Parkinson’s disease is extremely widespread in the elderly with an estimated 10 million people in the world inflicted with the disease. It’s also estimated that 60,000 people in America are diagnosed with Parkinson’s annually with 4% of the population displaying symptoms before the age of 50.

While there a cure doesn't exist, there are a few treatments readily available for patients. Other than just some medical treatments and pharmacological treatments, there are also natural treatments that are effective. One of the most effective and popular therapies for patients with the disease is music therapy.

Music therapy: Why patients should look more into it

Music therapy is a type of treatment used for handling issues with regard to the physical, cognitive, and emotional conditions of a patient. It is usually done by professional music therapists who are qualified to administer the treatment. Music therapy is a very specialized niche therapy that takes higher education and very deep knowledge in the fields of psychology, music, and medicine as a whole.

Through music therapy, the therapist aims to rehabilitate the patient through the cognitive and emotional benefits of music. This type of therapy also aims to help strengthen the communication skills of patients and give them an avenue to express themselves despite their limitations due to their conditions. Music therapy also aims to provide patients with some sort of emotional support from not only the therapist but as well as the support group of patients that the therapist is treating.

Music therapy can offer many benefits for Parkinson's patients, including aiding in their coordination

According to Carolyn Dobson of the Neurologic Music Therapy, music therapy is extremely effective in treating conditions that have to do with neurological health. She states that there are some genres of music that can help produce more serotonin and dopamine. The increase of these chemicals in the brain cells can actually aid in treating Parkinson’s disease.

Also, music was found to help with coordination in patients—something that Parkinson’s disease patients have a lack of. This is because the rhythm of certain songs can act as a guide for producing movement. This is a process that is done constantly so that the patient will be able to get used to the rhythm. Once the rhythm is able to stimulate the patient, then they will be able to follow the tempo and rhythm through their movements.