Theater Therapy Boosts Emotional Well-being in Parkinson's Patients

New Study Highlights Theater's Role in Enhancing Emotional Well-being for Parkinson's Patients Parkinson's disease, primarily known for its impact on motor skills, also significantly affects mental health, often leading to emotional challenges that medications may not fully address. Recent research published in Arts & Health reveals that engaging in theatrical activities can markedly improve emotional states and alleviate anxiety and depression among individuals with Parkinson's. A collaborative effort between Universitat Oberta de Catalunya and Hospital Sant Pau in Barcelona involved 34 Parkinson's patients aged 50 to 75, divided into two groups. One group participated in a three-month theater program at Teatre Lliure, which comprised five live performances, preparatory sessions, backstage tours, and workshops with professional actors. These workshops emphasized movement, improvisation, storytelling, and emotional expression through body language and voice. The control group engaged in cognitive exercises aimed at enhancing memory and attention at home. Both groups underwent evaluations before and after the intervention using standardized questionnaires measuring mood, emotiona...