Our colleagues from Iowa State University are finding that music therapy singing programs delay swallow ability decline for people with Parkinson’s:
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Muscles worked in singing also are used during swallowing and respiratory functions
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Experts from Iowa State University created music therapy classes
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Participants who attended the classes reported it significantly helped their throat muscles that had declined due to Parkinson’s
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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.