Music and Huntington’s Disease
Huntington’s disease is a condition in which the nerve cells in the brain degenerate over time. Sadly, there is no cure for this fatal disease. Additionally, it will negatively impact a person’s physical and mental capabilities as it progresses. The symptoms of this condition are changes in mood, personality, involuntary movement, slurred speech forgetfulness, and more. This is a frightful disease, one that can drastically limit or reduce the quality of life of the person afflicted and those closest to them. There is some good news for those afflicted, and that is through music.
Suffers of Huntington’s Disease can benefit from music therapy. According to a 2017 study titled Music Therapy in Patients with Huntington’s Disease: A Case Report by the Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands, music therapy can help improve the communication skills and behavioral issues with those who have Huntington’s Disease.
As Dr. Frederick Tims once said “Music making makes the elderly healthier…. There were significant decreases in anxiety, depression, and loneliness following keyboard lessons. These are factors that are critical in coping with stress, stimulating the immune system, and in improved health. Results also show significant increases in human growth hormones following the same group keyboard lessons. (Human growth hormone is implicated in aches and pains.) “
As mentioned before Huntington’s Disease does not have a cure, but music can increase the quality of life for those with it. Treatment options don’t cure the condition; however, they do help manage the symptoms. Music can do a lot for us in all stages of our life. It can help us with stress reduction, blood pressure, and memory. As more time passes and with additional research is conducted we may discover a cure for this disease.