The sound of song echoes across the Nambucca Valley each Thursday as people with Parkinson's disease and their carers participate in special musical therapy sessions.
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Led by Music Therapist Bonnie Nilsson, the 'Voice Project' is a partnership between Parkinson's NSW, NVC Group, and the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) that aims to improve the quality of life of participants.
The positive impacts of singing and music on the progression of Parkinson's disease are widely recognised, including improved speech, communication and neural function.
MNCLHD Parkinson's Nurse Consultant Vince Carroll said up to 90 per cent of people living with the disease experience speech and communication disorders yet few seek help.
"The local Parkinson's support group program aims to improve health outcomes such as vocal intensity, speech intelligibility and respiratory output," he said.
"Singing in a group context also enables social connection, increases in conversation, and shared emotional states, which facilitate empathy, cohesion, and bonding."
The next music therapy session will be held at Nambucca HealthOne in Fred Brain Avenue, Nambucca Heads from 10-11.30am this Thursday (November 7).
The session will include 30 minutes of high intensity music-based vocal exercises, a sing-a-long with everyone's favourite songs, the chance to sing solo, and 30 minutes of social interaction and conversation practice over morning tea.
Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition which affects the brain's ability to control movement and may also be associated with other symptoms including mood, depression and anxiety. There is no cure.
For further information, contact MNCLHD Parkinson's Nurse Consultant Vince Carroll on 6659 2333.
