Music is good for the mind and soul — and Parkinson’s disease

Jamie Askari, a medical advocate from Cleveland, Ohio, shares a moving reflection on the enduring power of music—both in her personal life and in her work supporting individuals with neurodegenerative conditions. Raised in a music-filled home, Jamie saw early on how music could create joy, connection, and lasting emotional memories. As she grew older, that connection only deepened. 💜 The Role of Music in Dementia Care In her professional work, Jamie once helped coordinate in-home care for a woman living with dementia. Among various therapies brought into the home, music therapy stood out. Week after week, music evoked emotional responses even as the woman’s condition progressed. Early on, she sang along; later, when words were no longer possible, she swayed and tapped to the rhythm. Even in her final days, music continued to bring comfort and joy. 🎶 Discovering Music’s Benefits for Parkinson’s That experience led Jamie to explore the therapeutic potential of music for people with Parkinson’s disease—a condition close to home, as her husband Arman was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s in 2009 at age 38. She found a growing body of evidence supporting music therapy as a meaningful tool to address challenges related to: Balance and posture Gait and walking rhythm Speech and communication Cognition and mood Social isolation and emotional well-being 🗣️ The Power of Singing Out Loud According to experts like Kerry Devlin, a senior music therapist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Music and Medicine, simply singing aloud to one song each day can benefit people with Parkinson’s. It’s a simple, accessible practice that can help prepare for social interaction, strengthen the voice, and even support movement through rhythmic cues. 🎸 Research and Real-Life Benefits Clinical studies have shown that music-based activities—such as guitar lessons or group singing—can improve motor function, reduce tremors, increase voice volume, enhance posture, and lift overall mood. These gains often translate into better quality of life and a stronger sense of self. 🎤 Music as a Daily Practice Jamie believes strongly in the value of incorporating music into everyday life, especially for families navigating Parkinson’s disease. Whether through structured music therapy or shared moments of singing at home, music can be a powerful tool for connection, resilience, and joy.