World Music Day: How Parkinson's patients benefit from singing rather than listening to music
For long, we have been told about the benefits of music therapy on the mind. But now I encourage my patients to sing, no matter what their ability, as it is an effective form of brain exercise. We've often seen that when patients sing — especially those recovering from a stroke or living with Parkinson's — it helps bring back parts of their speech.
Why singing is a good brain workout
When a person sings, the brain doesn't just follow a tune — it coordinates an entire internal performance. Areas that manage speech, breath, movement and even memory and emotion all work together. That's what makes singing such a powerful neurological activity.
What makes singing different from simply listening to music is that it's an active process. Listening can be soothing, yes, but singing pushes the brain to work — it has to create rhythm, hold a tune, remember the lyrics, and do it all in real time. This kind of engagement strengthens memory circuits, boosts emotional stability and supports the brain's ability to adapt and reorganise, a quality we call neuroplasticity.
We also know singing can influence the nervous system in measurable ways. It stimulates the vagus nerve, which plays a role in calming the body. This can lower heart rate, reduce cortisol levels and promote a relaxed state. At the same time, singing boosts feel-good chemicals like dopamine and endorphins — offering a natural lift in mood.
How singing can help in Parkinson's
The rhythm of singing, and the way it's repeated, seems to give the brain a familiar structure to work with. It's easier for some people to sing a sentence than to speak it. Over time, this approach can strengthen breath control, make facial muscles more responsive and slowly help words come out more clearly. It's not a cure, of course, but as part of a broader therapy plan, it can really make a difference. Over time, they can improve vocal strength and clarity, respiratory control and swallowing function.
Group singing adds yet another layer of benefit. Singing with others builds social connection, which we know is protective for brain health. It can ease anxiety, strengthen emotional resilience and enhance communication in patients dealing with cognitive or mood disorders.
Good for cardiovascular health
Singing engages respiratory muscles and improves breathing patterns, which can be beneficial for lung function and respiratory conditions. It's an aerobic activity that can increase heart rate and improve cardiovascular health.
What research says
Singing karaoke was linked to increased positive feelings in a study of 305 older adults in 2022. A study of 8,000 Swedish twins found that they had better emotional awareness when they sang and played music themselves. Singing, particularly in groups, has been shown to lower the stress hormone cortisol and increase the happy hormone oxytocin.
The beauty of it is that no formal training is needed. You don't have to sound perfect. Just the act of singing—whether alone or with others—can be a gentle, enjoyable way to keep your brain active and your mind emotionally grounded.
(The author is Clinical Director and Senior Consultant, Neurology, CARE Hospitals, Hyderabad)
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