ANNOUNCER:
Patients with Parkinson’s disease have suffered damage to cells in the brain that produce dopamine – a chemical that helps control movement. Studies have shown that music therapy can help these patients move more effectively than physical therapy.
Concetta Tomaino, DA, MT-BC, Institute for Music and Neurological Function:
I believe what we’re doing is reaching into these subconscious or preconscious elements that get stimulated and turned on by the sound that then allow for the execution or the action to take place.
ANNOUNCER:
Studies are underway to find out if some musical rhythms work better than others. In sessions like this, it’s the job of the therapist to find the music that helps the patient most.
Marah Bobilin, MT-BC, Music Therapist:
I often use dance beats, kind of like a disco beat, and play familiar songs. It helps her know when to place the next step next step and just to kind of, kind of move with the music. She’s been consistently able to walk and feel comfortable. And so I’d say that is progress. And that’s what we’re trying to do.
ANNOUNCER:
Thanks for joining us on today’s Once Daily.
