Irwin Rosenstein, who plays keyboard for the group, describes the music as giving him a purpose so that Parkinson’s and dementia don’t define him. Through the universal language of music, those who have trouble recalling a daily schedule or holding a conversation are able to communicate in a different manner, express their emotions and connect with others on a deeper level. Their twice-weekly jam sessions have brought about a remarkable transformation in each individual involved. What if you have no musical background or ability to carry a tune? What if dementia or Parkinson’s disease has already caused cognitive changes or movement difficulties? Can music help?Īccording to members of the 5 th Dementia - an unconventional group of musicians whose only requirements for participation include an interest in music and a diagnosis of Parkinson’s or dementia - that answer is a resounding yes. While playing music, multiple different areas of the brain are activated and in the long run, this leads to an increase in the volume and activity of the corpus callosum - the bridge that allows communication between the two sides of the brain. People with musical training have better memory, executive function (planning, problem solving, organizing, etc) and visuospatial perception (ability to determine the relationship of objects in space). The emotional experience of hearing music can increase the release of dopamine - the brain chemical lacking in Parkinson’s disease. Knowing we all have this inherent rhythm and that we all respond to music somehow, researchers have investigated the brain changes that occur when listening to and playing music.
Specific treatments work to restore normal rhythm: deep brain stimulation delivers electrical stimulations and a new device breaks a freezing episode by playing a rhythmic clicking in the ear. In certain diseases, like Parkinson’s, the brain rhythm in the circuit controlling movement gets off track. This pattern changes depending on the state of activity: increasing when you’re alert and focused and slowing when you’re sleepy. Far from just stimulating memories surrounding a song, though, many believe music can actually help to preserve and even enhance cognitive function.įile this away for small talk or to use as a retort when someone declines your invitation to dance because they "have no rhythm." Every person - or at least every brain - does have rhythm. A foot will start to tap along to a beat or tears begin to well up in response to a touching melody. Music is powerful - it moves us physically and emotionally, often transporting us back to a previous place and time.