Bass-ist Fighting Back Against Parkinson’s: 'Music Is My Antidote'

Austin dean fights disease with music, advocacy

By [your name here]

Allan Cole, 56, dean of the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas, has found an "antidote" to Parkinson's disease: rocking out on his Fender Bullet bass.

"It's about learning to live with a family member that is a real pain in the ass."
— Cole, on his Parkinson's diagnosis

Cole, who was diagnosed with young-onset idiopathic Parkinson's eight years ago, didn't start playing bass until just a year ago. Now, he and his bandmates from School of Rock are gearing up for a gig on May 19 at Empire Records. Their set list includes Rolling Stones classics like "Give Me Shelter" and "You Can't Always Get What You Want," as well as some Pink Floyd and Cream.

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative movement disorder caused by the death of neurons that produce dopamine. Symptoms can include tremors, rigid muscles, and depression. Cole's symptoms include rigidity and involuntary movements, which he manages with medication.

For Cole, music has become a form of therapy. Playing bass improves his dexterity and singing has become a form of speech therapy. It's also a way to connect with others and relieve stress, which can worsen his symptoms. His bandmates help keep him accountable for self-care.

"Parkinson's is not exhaustive of who I am. I need things outside of Parkinson's to feed me."
— Cole, on the importance of music and community

Cole has also become an advocate for others with Parkinson's. He created the PD Wise website, where people with Parkinson's share stories and resources. He's published books and poetry about his journey and recently debuted a documentary, "The Only Day We Have", on Austin's PBS station. In it, he interviews people with young-onset Parkinson's who are living their lives to the fullest.

Cole's advice to those newly diagnosed? Get a labor lawyer, find a specialist neurologist, and connect with a network of people who understand. But most of all, find your passion and let it feed your soul. For Cole, that's music.