Music Therapy in Progressive Neurological Disease: A Neuropalliative Rehabilitation Perspective

The following paper describes the role of music therapy with patients with progressive neurological diseases (PND) within the context of neuropalliative rehabilitation. Neuropalliative rehabilitation is a construct which reflects the necessary interplay between neurology, rehabilitation and palliative care with long-term neurological conditions such as PND. The ultimate goal of care is best possible quality of life (QoL). Music therapy is highlighted as having a varied role in the treatment of people with PND, described by two case vignettes from the author's work. The impact of PND on the individual is described and discussed in relation to both rehabilitative and palliative aspects of care as well as QoL literature. The concept of 'centrality' is raised as a key component of QoL, particularly in adjusting to chronic illness. It is proposed that music therapy is able to enhance QoL through assisting clients to gain new perspectives and providing opportunities to build coping resources and strategies. The music therapy literature highlights the use of music therapy to address psychosocial concerns of PND, however restorative needs are rarely discussed. It is concluded that the concept of neuropalliative rehabilitation may be useful to the music therapist working with PND to assist with collaboration with other health care professionals and clinical decision making.