Harmony in Motion: Discovering the Benefit of Therapeutic Music in Parkinson's Disease Management

Project by Polygence alum Rohan

Harmony in Motion: Discovering the Benefit of Therapeutic Music in Parkinson's Disease Management

Project's result

30+ page literature review on music therapy and Parkinson's Disease. + Comprehensive study included in Supplemental Materials

They started it from zero. Are you ready to level up with us?

Summary

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor control and cognition. Recent studies have begun to assess non-pharmacologic treatments for PD to improve motor function, cognition, and wellbeing. One such treatment is Music Therapy (MT). Music can be utilized in numerous ways to address the motor and non-motor symptoms of PD, including vocal control, gait, cognition, and emotional wellbeing. In addition, recent work is evaluating the specific effects of music on the brain in patients with PD, utilizing fMRI and EEG to evaluate the impact. This review assesses the impact of different MT methods on treatment of PD symptoms, as well as the neuroimaging and behavioral methods utilized in the existing research. Our research suggests that MT can improve both motor and non-motor symptoms of PD, but more longitudinal studies and personalized music interventions are needed to determine the long-term effects of MT for PD. In addition, we propose a questionnaire that could be utilized by clinicians to assess the efficacy of MT in real-life clinical practice.

Ellen

Ellen

Polygence mentor

PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate

Subjects

Arts, Neuroscience, Psychology

Expertise

Neuroscience of creativity and music, Parkinson's disease, older adults, Child development, interpersonal entrainment, rhythmic synchrony, arts as a therapeutic intervention, Acting training, Musical Theatre, Auditioning, Writing for the stage, and all artistic creative work

Rohan

Rohan

Student

Graduation Year

2025

Project review

“My mentor's help in outlining and organizing the paper, the resources on formatting and finding information, and the writing feedback were really helpful and were above my expectations. I also like how we can share the paper in a symposium right here.”

About my mentor

“Ms. Ellen helped keep deadlines, enforced and provided plenty of resources to organize the paper. She also kept giving feedback on how improve the fluidity and strength of my paper throughout every session. I was constantly supported and relieved throughout the process.”