Parkinson’s Disease

For viewers with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease (PD), KOMITOMS Programming offers a forum of support for the following:  

  • Emotional Regulation: KOMITOMS activities for preferred music listening, self-expression, and rhythmic grounding may support individuals with PD-related depression and anxiety. 

  • Communication: Singing and guided lyric fill-in activities included are designed to address PD effects on speech function impacting disturbances in muscular control of speech mechanism.

    • Singing has also been reported to be beneficial for people with neurological conditions, such as PD, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and dementia, as singing offers an effective adjunct rehabilitation therapy for people with PD.

    • While viewers engage in singing, facial muscles, vocal apparatus (i.e. the lungs, vocal cords in the larynx, mouth, and nasal cavities) and the entire respiratory system (i.e. the lungs, diaphragm, and intercostal muscles) are actively engaged in production of sound. Regular singing practice can reduce communication difficulties in people with PD. Songs offer a range of pitch, dynamics and emotional expressions through lyrics and harmony. Singing songs with KOMITOMS Programming can provide an enjoyable exercise for people with PD, to retain or improve their communication skills, e.g. increased volume and phonation time in people with PD.

  • Hormone and Mood Regulation: Singing and playing music may enhance health and wellbeing through promoting neurochemicals such as dopamine, cortisol, serotonin, and oxytocin, as the structures of songs (e.g. melody, rhythm, and harmony) can induce a range of emotional and physical responses.

  • Sensory Stimulation: Songs can stimulate senses through musical elements and enhance our emotional experience. Through increased neurochemical activity (such as dopamine and oxytocin levels), singers experience pleasure, motivation, and a sense of reward. 

  • Movement: Evidence also suggests that music can provide effective auditory cueing for people with PD in relation to improving movements. A recent study has shown that listening to familiar songs can help people with PD to organize their walking movement efficiently. Through regular singing, it is suggested that people with PD can experience enhanced lung function.

    • KOMITOMS play-along activities are designed to support fine and gross motor function, as well as guided drumming, clap & tap a-long activities for crossing the midline.