The benefits of artistic activities for people with Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complicated and long-term condition that often impacts both physical and mental health. Traditional medical and surgical treatments are not always enough to help people with PD live life to the fullest, and creative activities – from visual arts and music to dancing and writing – have shown potential in improving quality of life, going beyond symptom management by helping people with PD express their thoughts and feelings, connect with others, and maintain a sense of purpose and personal identity separate from the disease. In addition, certain creative activities have also shown potential in helping to improve visual-cognitive skills, hand dexterity, general motor function, and more.
Particularly advantageous is that creative activities require no prior experience or innate talent to reap the rewards of participating, and they can be tailored to each person’s unique needs – from the activity selected to the way it is conducted – helping improve the sense of control in a disease that often lessens it.
The Link Between Dopamine and Creativity
Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects the brain’s production of dopamine, causing a lack of this important neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger in the brain), which controls many neurological functions and is also tied to creativity. The connection between creativity and the brain’s dopamine system may make arts-based therapies and activities particularly well-suited for people with PD. While the disease itself might decrease creativity through dopamine reduction, some of the most common treatments, like dopamine agonists, can sometimes increase or change it. Some people with PD notice differences in their artistic style, while others discover brand new creative strengths and interests after starting treatment. Jud Eson is one such example. He shared with us, “My brain changed somehow when I started to take PD medications, and I became interested in making art.” (Read on for more about Jud’s artwork.)
Other stories of artists with PD, mentioned in the article “If Art Were a Drug: Implications for Parkinson’s Disease,” include:
- Steven Iseman, a lawyer who had no artistic interests prior to his PD diagnosis, but after beginning treatment began to create sculptural artwork using 3D printing.
- Barbara Salsberg Mathews, a life-long visual and theatrical artist who found ways to adapt following her PD diagnosis to continue drawing and painting, including using a stick to support her arm.
- Zus Keulemans-Goosen (1932–2023), a self-taught artist who, after being diagnosed with PD, changed her artistic mediums and methods, such as moving to smaller canvases.
Exploring Creative Arts for People with Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s and Music
People with PD can explore music in a variety of ways, from formal music therapy with trained professionals to independent or group activities like listening to music, singing, playing instruments, or engaging in rhythmic exercises. Music cues may help improve movement, gait, balance, and reduce freezing episodes in people with PD.
Studies have also shown that for some people music therapy may enhance:
- Brain connectivity, rhythm processing, and memory, potentially promoting neuroplasticity and activating dopamine-related reward systems, which improve mood and motor pathways.
- Communication, swallowing, and emotional health, with activities like group singing and playing instruments improving speech, mood, and social connections.
- Voice volume, through structured singing activities.
Online singing classes and music therapy apps offer accessible ways for people with PD to integrate music into their lives. (See information about the American Parkinson Disease Association’s (APDA) creative programs, like Sing Loud for PD, below!) While promising, more personalized approaches and robust studies are needed to fully understand music’s potential in managing PD symptoms.
Dancing with Parkinson’s
Dance combines music and movement, engaging brain areas involved in coordination, posture, and balance.
While additional research is needed, studies show that dance can improve:
- Strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health
- Motor skills, balance, and gait
- Cognitive functions like memory and multitasking
- Mental health, by reducing anxiety and depression and boosting self-esteem
Dance is generally safe for people with mild to moderate PD, and partner dancing may help with balance and reduce fear of falling. Some people may find dance more enjoyable and, therefore, more motivating than some other forms of exercise, and in-person and virtual class options make dance more accessible for people with PD. (See information about APDA’s creative programs, like Dance for PD Pro and Dance for the Body, Mind, and Spirit, below!)
Drama Therapy for Parkinson’s
Drama-based activities incorporate movement, emotional expression, social interaction, and nonverbal communication. It is unclear which of these elements may contribute most to the benefits for people with PD.
Studies suggest that drama interventions may improve:
- Emotional well-being
- Non-motor symptoms like anxiety and depression
- Motor symptoms, to a lesser extent
Programs like Improv for Parkinson’s and Mime Over Mind offer creative and accessible ways for people with PD to explore drama. (Mime Over Mind is the creation of Barbara Salsberg Mathews, mentioned earlier in this blog post. Please note that this program has not been vetted by APDA.)
Creative Writing
Activities like journaling, poetry, and storytelling provide an opportunity to express thoughts and emotions, which promotes introspection, self-expression, and emotional well-being, though the exact benefits for people with Parkinson’s remain unclear. While no major studies have specifically examined creative writing in PD, research in other conditions, like depression and cancer, suggests that expressive writing can improve mood and reduce depression symptoms.
Visual Arts
Drawing, painting, sculpting, photography, and other visual arts stimulate brain areas involved in visual processing, attention, and planning.
Art is helpful for engaging a dopamine-related reward systems and have been shown to improve:
- Hand-eye coordination
- Sensory-motor integration
- Cognitive functions like memory and problem-solving
- Mood
- Motor functions
- Hand dexterity
Jud Eson, who was mentioned earlier in this blog post, discovered a unique form of visual art that works well for him:
“Most of the art I make is done by blowing ink on paper,” he shared with us. “I put a drop of ink on the paper and blow, as if I were playing the flute or trying to blow a ladybug off the paper. I also use alcohol ink to add color. I sometimes use markers or brush pens to add more detail. It can be harder to control where markers or brush pens make marks, but I can control the tremors and stiffness by slowing down and relaxing, and I use my left hand when most tremors are on my right side. Painting relieves some stress and calms me.”
Pictured: Jud Eson artwork, courtesy of the artist.
APDA Creative Programs
APDA offers a variety of virtual arts-related programs designed specifically for people with PD and their care partners, including:
- Sing Loud for PD: Led by Valerie DiLorenzo, a professional, award-winning singer, stage actress, and teaching artist, Sing Loud for PD is a chorus for people living with PD and their care partners, uniting participants in song!
- Dance for the Body, Mind, and Spirit: Chris Daigre, owner of danceDaigre, leads a fun and inclusive dance experience. Learn movements that support postural stability, increased range of motion, and fluency. The virtual class begins in a chair and progresses to standing, but participants are welcome to stay seated throughout. “Dance has been my cornerstone since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s,” Chris says.
- Dance for PD Pro: A standing dance class presented by the Mark Morris Dance Group for those who wish to challenge themselves in a more rigorous environment that focuses on dance technique. Dance for PD Pro integrates a blend of dance styles to foster physical confidence, musicality, and artistry. Participants wishing to make modifications for themselves are encouraged to do so.
See all upcoming events and classes
Join a Connecting Through Art Program Through an APDA Chapter
In addition, APDA’s nationwide network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers offer a combination of in-person and virtual programming, including our signature Connecting Through Art program, which was specifically developed to provide those impacted by PD the space and ability to express feelings and emotions through a creative activity, while also connecting with others who share some of the same challenges and concerns.
Pictured: People with PD and their care partners participate in APDA Connecting Through Art programs.
Tips & Takeaways
- Creative activities may improve quality of life for people with PD, helping them express their thoughts and feelings, connect with others, and maintain a sense of purpose and personal identity. Certain creative activities have also shown potential in helping to improve visual-cognitive skills, hand dexterity, general motor function, and more.
- The connection between creativity and the brain’s dopamine system may make arts-based therapies and activities particularly well-suited for people with PD. Some people taking certain kinds of PD medications notice differences in their artistic style, while others discover brand new creative strengths and interests.
- There are a variety of creative activities that people with PD can explore to determine what they like best and what offers them the most benefit, including music, dance, drama, writing, and visual arts.
- APDA offers a variety of arts-related (and other) programs designed for people with PD and their care partners. Visit our virtual events calendar to join us no matter where you live, or visit our Community page to find an APDA Chapter or I&R Center near you that may be offering in-person or additional virtual programs.
- Published research on this topic is limited and varies in quality. Therefore, additional research is necessary to draw stronger conclusions. Some research studies are currently ongoing.
Sources & Additional Reading
- The article “If Art Were a Drug: Implications for Parkinson’s Disease” explores the topics covered here in detail and was referenced as the primary source for this blog post.
- You can read more about the possibility of creative activities improving some PD symptoms in the article “Art Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease.”
- Previous APDA blog posts have also touched on art therapy and music therapy for people with PD and may provide additional helpful information.