Music Therapy for Parkinson’s: Restoring Movement Patterns

By Caileen W.

Rhythmic tremors. Shaky steps. Facial paralysis. Sound familiar? If you thought of Parkinson’s disease, you’d be correct. As the second most common neurodegenerative disease, Parkinson’s affects an estimated 7-10 million people worldwide each year, primarily by inhibiting movement and mood. [1] 

But what causes the symptoms of Parkinson’s, and how can it be remedied with music therapy? 

Put simply, the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are caused by the death of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Dopamine is an incredibly important neurotransmitter; although it’s most commonly associated with happiness, it’s also key to producing smooth, controlled movements. Therefore, when the brain begins to lose dopamine-producing neurons, it can no longer facilitate smooth motions, leading to jerky, rigid, or jittery symptoms. [2] 

As of now, scientists haven’t pinpointed a specific cause for Parkinson’s disease, though patients of old age, specific genetics, and a history of previous traumatic brain injury may be more vulnerable to developing the disease. [3] Additionally, there currently is no cure for Parkinson’s. However, there are certain medications that can replenish dopamine in the brain and therefore relieve many of the disease’s symptoms. [2]

So what role does music play? Just as certain medications can relieve Parkinson’s symptoms, music therapy has been found to alleviate the motor difficulties of Parkinson’s patients. 

One prominent example is Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation, also known as RAS. In RAS, a therapist provides rhythmic music or beats — often matched to a person's walking rhythm — and the patient synchronizes their steps to the beat. Patients who previously could only produce short, staggered steps had significantly faster and longer steps after RAS. [4] In RAS, the rhythm of the music produced an external cue to help guide the movement of the patients, who lack the normal movement cues and control of non-Parkinson’s patients. 

In addition to bodily movement, Parkinson’s may affect speech, specifically by causing patients to speak more softly and with less articulation. In one study, patients who  participated in singing music therapy — which often incorporates vocal warm-ups, breathing exercises, and sustained notes — were able to produce louder, sustained sounds in their speech. [5]

In summary, music therapy offers an affordable, accessible, and enjoyable way to combat Parkinson’s symptoms, as the disease remains a constant battle for many.

CITATIONS

1. Parkinson’s Foundation. (2024). Parkinson’s Foundation. https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/statistics

2. ‌Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024). Parkinson’s disease - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055

3. ‌Tumas, V., Aureliano, M. J., Rieder, C. R. de M., Schuh, A. F. S., Ferraz, H. B., Borges, V., Soares, M. C., Boone, D. L., Silva, C. C. da, Costa, M. C., Silva, D. J. da, Carmo, A. V., Mikael, L. de R., Santos-Lobato, B. L., Rosso, A. L. Z., Vilaça, C. de O., Braga-Neto, P., Gomes, A. B. F., Carvalho, C. G. M., … Mata, I. F. (2025, March). Modifiable risk factors associated with the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease: a critical review. Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria; PubMed Central. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0045-1805075

4. ‌Burrai, F., Apuzzo, L., & Zanotti, R. (2024). Effectiveness of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation on Gait in Parkinson Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Holistic Nursing Practice; PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1097/HNP.0000000000000462

5. Irons, J. Y., & Sheffield, D. (2025, November 24). Singing interventions for people living with Parkinson’s: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open; PubMed Central. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-089154