Our colleagues from Iowa State University are finding that music therapy singing programs delay swallow ability decline for people with Parkinson’s:

• Muscles worked in singing also are used during swallowing and respiratory functions 

• Experts from Iowa State University created music therapy classes  

• Participants who attended the classes reported it significantly helped their throat muscles that had declined due to Parkinson’s 

• Four cities in Iowa now offer these classes for those with the disease

Full article can be found here.

People with ALS / MND may benefit from singing with a music therapist, too, according to the preliminary results of our study. However, it is crucial to perform singing exercises in moderation, carefully balancing strengthening with relaxation.