Arts & Neuroscience

Neurodegenerative Disease (e.g. MS, Parkinson's disease)

Symposium

(634221) Music Therapy for Parkinson's Disease: Rehabilitation Through Therapeutic Singing

Presenter(s)

• 

  Danielle Porter, MM, MT-BC,

  Neurologic Music Therapist, Fellow
  Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital
  Glen St Mary, Florida
• 

  Cecilia Brooks, M.Ed., CCC-SLP

  Speech-Language Pathologist
  Brooks Rehabilitation

Speech and voice disorders are prevalent for those with Parkinson's disease (PD). Evidence continues to grow supporting singing interventions for mitigating speech/voice symptoms. Neurologic music therapy (NMT) techniques are commonly utilized with this population to enhance the temporal aspects of motor planning required for respiration and oral motor movement. Previous research studies have shown that individuals with PD demonstrated significant improvements in breath support, swallowing and vocal intensity following singing interventions. This symposium will explore the neuroscience of music applied to PD. Data analysis of a recent singing study investigating cough strength, phonation and quality of life will be discussed. Other highlights will include video clips and interactive examples.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss evidence supporting the use of singing interventions in Parkinson’s treatment.
• Identify the benefits of Neurologic Music Therapy interventions for voice rehabilitation in the group setting.
• Demonstrate 3 exercises for voice rehabilitation.
• Describe the process of replicating a Parkinson’s community choir.