Precision medicine and music therapy for Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder requiring multidimensional treatment approaches. Recent breakthroughs in precision medicine and growing evidence for music therapy efficacy present new opportunities for comprehensive PD management that addresses both biological mechanisms and quality of life outcomes Objectives: This mini review evaluates the current state of precision medicine and music therapy interventions for PD, with three primary aims: (1) to synthesize evidence for genetic-based treatments and music-based interventions, (2) to identify potential synergies between these approaches, and (3) to highlight critical implementation challenges in clinical practice. Finding: Our analysis revealed that precision medicine approaches, including GBA1-targeted venglustat and LRRK2 kinase inhibitors, show significant promise in clinical trials when guided by genetic profiling. Concurrently, music therapy demonstrates robust clinical benefits, with RAS producing 15–20% improvements in gait parameters and group singing programs enhancing both speech function and psychosocial wellbeing. Emerging technologies, particularly wearable sensors and adaptive AI platforms, are enhancing the precision and personalization of both treatment modalities. However, we identified persistent challenges including the need for standardized biomarkers in precision medicine and more rigorous clinical validation for music therapy protocols. Conclusions: The strategic integration of precision medicine and music therapy offers a novel, patient-centered framework for PD management that simultaneously targets pathological mechanisms and functional outcomes. Future implementation should focus on overcoming accessibility barriers, conducting large-scale longitudinal studies, and developing integrated treatment protocols that combine genetic insights with personalized neuromodulation approaches.