A call to action for the integration of an underutilized resource: The evidence for Parkinson’s disease and music therapy

Title : A call to action for the integration of an underutilized resource: The evidence for Parkinson’s disease and music therapy

Abstract:

Purpose/Problem: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor impairments including gait dysfunction, rigidity, tremor, balance deficits, and freezing of gait, as well as non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, cognitive changes, and diminished quality of life. Although pharmacologic therapies remain the foundation of treatment, many patients continue to experience persistent disability despite optimized medical management. Growing evidence suggests that music therapy and rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) are effective, evidence-based, non-pharmacologic interventions; however, they remain underutilized in routine clinical practice. This review examines the current evidence supporting music-based interventions and highlights opportunities for advanced practice nurses to integrate these therapies into comprehensive Parkinson disease management.

Method/Process: A focused review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and recent review articles evaluating music therapy and rhythmic auditory stimulation in adults with Parkinson disease were examined. Outcomes included gait speed, stride length, cadence, balance, functional mobility, freezing of gait, mood, cognition, and quality of life. Evidence was synthesized to identify consistent findings, limitations, and implications for clinical practice.

Recommendation/Implementation: Current evidence consistently demonstrates that music therapy and rhythmic auditory stimulation improve gait parameters, functional mobility, motor coordination, and selected non-motor outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life. Nurse practitioners can facilitate greater utilization of these evidence-based interventions through patient education, interdisciplinary collaboration, referral to certified music therapists and rehabilitation specialists, and incorporation of music-based strategies into individualized care plans as adjuncts to standard pharmacologic treatment.

Conclusion/Implications: Music therapy represents a safe, accessible, patient-centered intervention capable of enhancing comprehensive Parkinson disease care. Although additional research is needed to standardize intervention protocols and evaluate long-term outcomes, the current body of evidence supports broader clinical integration. Advanced practice nurses are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between emerging evidence and clinical practice by advocating for increased awareness, referral, and implementation of music-based therapies. Expanding the use of this underutilized resource has the potential to improve patient outcomes, enhance quality of life, and promote more holistic, interdisciplinary care for individuals living with Parkinson disease.

Biography:

Carole Graves, MM, MBA, MN, RN is a Doctor of Nursing Practice–Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) candidate at Columbia University School of Nursing and a Registered Nurse at Union Community Health Center, a federally qualified health center in the Bronx, New York, where she provides multidisciplinary outpatient care across primary care, pediatrics, women's health, geriatrics, internal medicine, and urgent care. She earned her Master of Nursing, summa cum laude, from Emory University and also holds a Master of Music from Boston Conservatory at Berklee and a Master of Business Administration from Bryant University.  Prior to entering nursing, Ms. Graves served in executive leadership roles within nonprofit healthcare and human services organizations, directing programs supporting underserved populations, individuals with developmental disabilities, and community health initiatives. She is the founder and former Artistic Director of Legato Music Inc., an organization dedicated to integrating live music into healthcare environments to enhance patient well-being. This interdisciplinary background inspired her scholarly interest in evidence-based music interventions as adjunctive therapies for neurological disorders. Her current clinical and research interests include neurology, integrative and complementary therapies, health equity, interdisciplinary models of care, and translating evidence into advanced nursing practice. She is passionate about advancing the role of nurse practitioners in implementing innovative, patient-centered interventions that improve quality of life for individuals living with chronic neurological conditions.