8 minutes | Thursday, 22 January 2026
On the WRS Breakfast Show, Katt Cullen speaks with Prof. Dr. Dawn Rose, a music psychologist and lead researcher on an international study at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) exploring how music can help ease Parkinson’s symptoms. She's also an ex punk-rock drummer and session musician.
With over 15,000 people in Switzerland living with Parkinson’s, the research shows that music can significantly improve movement, motivation, and mood. Prof. Rose explains how rhythm can act as an external cue to support walking, while even imagined music - an “inner jukebox” - can help people overcome freezing episodes.
The research was developed in close collaboration with people living with the condition and includes diverse musical styles, from marching music to traditional dance.
They discuss the next steps for the project and the recent findings, as well as the implications of such a project and the next steps.
Research and playlists available at www.playlist4parkinsons.com