On 1/1/2020……. I lost my mother, Sharon, due to Parkinson’s disease. I wanted to share my thoughts and ideas on tough topics in caregiving and send thoughts and prayers for others diagnosed and caregivers, so this BLOG was created in their memory.
The Tackling Tough Topics BLOG 25: Music and Parkinson’s Disease
This blog is dedicated to all those caretakers who care for a loved one with any disease and to those who have been diagnosed. We hear you; we see you, and we will never stop fighting until there is a cure!
Music and Parkinson’s Disease can be therapeutic but also help during the more challenging times of a diagnosis. It also helps bring families together.
My mother played piano her entire life, but as her symptoms progressed, it made it difficult for her to continue to play. I have played Guitar for over 20 years because my mother had me take lessons as a child and I am forever grateful for that opportunity.
We also brought a music therapist who, even during more challenging times, helps bring smiles to my mother’s and our entire family’s faces. Even if it was rare or a short moment, it helped her through more difficult times. Music brings us together to forget some more demanding days and allows for various positives like listening, dancing, talking, and singing.
For some, learning an instrument can also slow the progression of Parkinson’s. In one study through the NIH (2015), research showed
rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS), such as playing marching music and dance therapy, is a safe, inexpensive, and effective method for improving gait in PD patients.
Various reasons for musical effect on Parkinson’s patients is the temporal structure of the music, and the emotional content of the music, which arouses areas of the brain that is still functioning and allows a lost ability to become present as they participate in the music (Paulson, Bharucha, Iyer, Limb, Tomaino, 2013).
No matter the reason, music has been a significant breakthrough for Pd patients seeking positive news for battling Pd.
Music and dance are complex and stimulate the brain, affecting various sensory responses. Music stimulates multiple aspects of an individual’s senses. Furthermore, it brings social activity and the ability to form relationships.
Finally, music can also help with PD’s facial expressions and emotional aspects. Music can boost immune system function while reducing stress, reports the American Psychological Association.
In conclusion, every journey is different, and everyone may be affected differently by a PD diagnosis. However, music certainly should be at the top of an individual’s list to slow the progression of PD and bring families closer together.
References
American Psychological Association (2023). Music as Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/monitor/2013/11/music
Ashorri, A., Eagleman, D. and Jankovic, J. (2015). Effects of Auditory Rhythm and Music on Gait Disturbances in Parkinson’s Disease. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4641247/
Paulson S, Bharucha J, Iyer V, Limb C, Tomaino C. (2013). Music and the mind: the magical power of sound. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1303:63–79.
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George’s Biography
Dr. George Ackerman is from Brooklyn, N.Y. He now resides in Florida and works in the fields of law, police, and education. George lost his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman, on 1/1/2020 due to Parkinson’s Disease.
George wanted to honor his mother and continue to help in the Parkinson’s awareness cause, but he did not know how to bring about change. With my family, we started TogetherForSharon® to keep my mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman, ‘s memory alive and share the message of Parkinson’s Awareness and hope for a cure.
Today, https://www.togetherforsharon.com/ reaches thousands of individuals across the country to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease. George currently interviews individuals throughout the Parkinson’s community, including various foundations, caregivers, and Parkinson’s warriors, to help share their stories and causes.