Music Helps Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Patients

I recently read another article about the effects of music therapy on Alzheimer's patients. The article by Jule Klotter, states:
"A music therapy program raised melatonin levels and improved behavior and sleeping problems in 20 male Alzheimer's patients. The Alzheimer's patients underwent music therapy for 30-40 minutes, 5 days a week for one month. Blood samples were taken before the first session, at the end of the four weeks of therapy, and 6 weeks after the study's conclusion. Dr. Ardash Kumar and colleagues at the University of Miami School of Medicine (Florida), who reported the study in Alternative Therapies (1999;5:49-57), checked the levels of melatonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin, and prolactin. These brain chemicals are known to affect mental state. They found that melatonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine blood levels had risen significantly by the end of the 4-week therapy program. Moreover, melatonin levels remained high 6 weeks after the program had stopped. In addition to the hormonal changes, the participants in the study also became more active and cooperative and slept better."

In my work with Parkinson's patients, I see remarkable results when patients use singing therapy as a means of strengthening their voices. Their breathing, articulation and speech rhythm all improve, making them much more understandable. This is a Godsend not only for the patient, but for their caregivers, also, who sometimes get as frustrated as the patient when communication is difficult.

Music and singing are a part of our core being. With the musical arts, we can bypass the thinking brain, and go right to the emotional center of the person. Many Alzheimer's patients remember songs and lyrics easily, when other mental faculties may be lost or difficult to access.

I believe that the field of music and voice therapy are just beginning to emerge as the key to helping patients with non-invasive treatments, and I'm proud to be a Music Practitioner who can help others get more joy from their lives.