July 27, 2006 (wis10) - Music is helping people with Parkinson's
disease one beat at a time. Up until a few years ago, Howard and
Joyce Tomlinson loved to dance.
But after Howard was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, dancing
became more of an obstacle than a pleasure, "I can't get my legs to
move right. So, we just don't hardly do that anymore. But we listen
to the music, but can't keep up with the beat."

One of the most devastating side effects of Howard's disease causes
him to freeze in his tracks.

Dr. Ron Tintner, a neurologist at the Methodist Neurological
Institute in Houston, talks about that problem, "When patients with
Parkinson's disease freeze, what happens is two muscles that work in
opposite ways get fired at the same time."

Innovative research using music therapy may give Howard the edge he
needs to get back into his dancing shoes.

Dr. Tintner is studying what rhythms work best for patients with
Parkinson's disease. The rhythms help make walking easier because
patients must keep up with the beat.

Dr. Tintner explains, "There are certain melodies that are not only
humable, but can't stop singing them and maybe that, in conjunction
with the rhythm is very important in getting the brain moving and
cranking out."

Joyce says she already sees a difference, "I thought that he walked
much better when he heard that beat."

It's a step they both hope will be the beginning of better things to
come. Doctor Tintner says he hopes to develop a personal music
device that would be tailored to each Parkinson's patient's needs.