Rhythm and Relief: Assessing Music’s Therapy in Alleviating Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Date
2024-12
Authors
Keleture, Autumn
Major Professor
Bracha, Vlastislav
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Abstract
Music Therapy (MT) has a become a holistic approach for the alleviation of both motor and non-motor symptoms in various neurological and psychological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke rehabilitation, and dementia. MT utilizes the rhythm, melody, and harmony of music to stimulate neural pathways involved in motor control, emotion regulation, and cognition. Research has demonstrated that rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) can improve gait, balance, and overall coordination in patients with motor impairments, while melodic intonation therapy (MIT) supports speech and language recovery. Non-motor symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline are also alleviated through the emotional and cognitive engagement that music provides, enhancing quality of life (Barnish & Barran, 2020). The mechanisms behind MIT are linked to its ability to activate multiple brain regions simultaneously, promoting neuroplasticity and compensatory processes. Although research on neurophysiological mechanisms is limited, current evidence indicates that music therapy can alleviate both motor and non-motor symptoms.
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Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States
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2024