Nov 20, 2018
The benefits of music therapy for Parkinson’s disease have been well established over the years. Rhythm and rhythmic cuing can help with initiation, coordination, and maintenance of movement. Benefits can extend to cognitive functions, communications abilities, and mood. As established professionals, some music therapists have furthered their education as academically trained professionals specifically in working with people with Parkinson’s. Music therapist Dr. Concetta Tomaino, Executive Director and co-founder of the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function in Mount Vernon, New York, discusses who can benefit from music therapy, how it is done, what neuroscience research has found, and where to find information on music therapy. She expands on the multiple ways the therapy can alleviate some of the problems associated with Parkinson’s.