Doctors have been researching treatment options for Parkinson’s disease for years.
A New Jersey choir, the Parkinson’s Choir, has joined forces to fight them with music.
Several choir members told News 12 New Jersey how the choir helped them through the dark days of their illness.
“This has impacted my life in so many ways,” said choir member Pat Dunstan. “It’s a struggle.”
For the past four years, the Parkinson’s Choir has met for weekly rehearsals in a hopeful and fun environment.
Watch the video above for a closer look at Parkinson’s Choir.
With music, choirs bring people together to communicate and share.
Dunstan said: “I had a breakdown last night. Or I want to say a word and the word doesn’t come out. I say this stove and refrigerator. And these people understand that. No shame,” said Dunstan.
As the disease progresses, many people with Parkinson’s disease report difficulty even speaking.
“You hear your voice start to break on its own, but no one else can, so it’s really important to be intentional about everything you’re doing,” said choir member Barry Gould.
According to a speech therapist, singing can help improve the speech of people with Parkinson’s disease.
“It’s sports therapy for Parkinson’s, so things like singing, speech therapy and voice therapy are very important,” says Dr. Ali Chanani, a speech therapist at JFK Johnson Rehab.
In addition to the material benefits of the choir, some members say that the choir has helped them emotionally.
“I’ve done something I never thought I’d do, I’m singing with people here. I’m a shower singer. I can’t believe I’m singing in the shower,” Dunstan said.
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