Singing group offered to individuals with Parkinson’s disease begins Wednesday

KEOSAUQUA -- A singing group for individuals with Parkinson's disease will be offered beginning Wednesday at the Keosauqua Health Care Center in Keosauqua.

Those taking part will participate in an eight-session singing group that will take place 3-4 p.m. each Wednesday.

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month. An estimated 1 million people in the U.S. live with Parkinson's disease, the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's.

Symptoms vary, but can include tremors; difficulty with balance, swallowing, chewing and speaking; and cognitive impairment. Emerging research suggests that singing -- both individual singing as well as participation in groups -- might be helpful in Parkinson's disease by enhancing voice volume and quality and improving breathing and swallowing.

For more information about the singing group, contact Sara Sprouse at 319-293-3039 or at sprouse@iastate.edu.

The singing group is sponsored by Keosauqua Health Care Center, the College of Human Sciences Extension and Outreach, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach-Van Buren County.