A new study shows singing may help the millions of Americans who suffer from Parkinson's disease.
KCCI's Vanessa Peng spoke to people who sang for the study. They all said they made physical improvements, but it's the mental changes that keep them singing.
Months later, those people suffering from Parkinson's disease still meet for a hour of "You Are My Sunshine."
"I tell people that I'm statistically improved," said Mark Blaedel, of Ames.
Blaedel was one of 30 people last summer who met for an hour each week for eight weeks. It was all part of an Iowa State University study.
"The goal of this study was to introduce a new novel type of therapy based up on music therapy approaches," said Elizabeth Stegemoller, an ISU assistant professor in kinesiology.
Stegemoller is studying the effects of singing on speech and swallowing in people with Parkinson's disease.
"Some of the things that happen with music -- you increase dopamine production in the brain just from listening to music, it also helps coordinate muscle activity," said Stegemoller.
She said after tests she has seen a huge difference in her singing patients.
"What we found is significant, positive changes for the voice and how load people were able to speak and how long people were able to hold their breath support," said Stegemoller.
Elizabeth Wright is one of the participants. She said she may have made improvements, but the biggest benefit of the group for her is the new friends she's made. That's why they still meet even though the study is over.
"Other people don't want to hear about Parkinson's all the time, but we talk to each other about our disease," said Wright.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system. Stegemoller hopes to bring this study to more sites across the nation.
http://health.einnews.com/article/246706497/MTgMc751sShsWj9g
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