Here at Brain & Life, our mission is to promote brain health. Toward that effort, the American Academy of Neurology has convened every year since 2022 the Brain Health Summit, a gathering of thought leaders and policymakers from academia, research, and patient advocacy organizations and communities. At the Summit this September, I had the honor of hearing then-Rep. Jennifer Wexton of Virginia speak. Wexton, who has progressive supranuclear palsy and left office when her term ended earlier this year, shared her story in an eloquent speech—despite being unable to physically speak. Her talk was made possible through artificial intelligence technology that used her previously recorded speeches to recreate her voice. I had never seen this technology in action before, and as a neurologist, I was deeply moved by the power of her words and the emotional impact of hearing them in her own voice.
Wexton has chosen to use hope and bravery to frame her future. In one of her most powerful acts—and perhaps her greatest legacy—as a legislator, Wexton advocated for others with similar conditions as her own, helping to pass the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act, a move that will greatly benefit patients with Parkinson's disease.
You don't need to be a member of Congress to advocate for a cause, though. There are many ways to advocate, from taking on expansive roles in international organizations to homegrown efforts on the local level. In this issue, patients and their loved ones who bravely faced the uncertainties that came with a neurologic diagnosis share how they used that news as a catalyst for positive change—some by relying on unique skills they already possessed. A historian and professor found new ways to educate others by speaking about her rare neurologic diagnosis, while an advertising executive used his marketing skills to create unique communication worksheets for his wife with traumatic brain injury. Moving outside your circle to inspire others and amplify your lived experience takes a special strength. Looking to see what you can do in your own space and comfort zone might be a first inspired step toward advocacy.
Speaking frankly with loved ones about how their declining cognitive abilities could put them at risk for financial pitfalls and scams poses a different sort of challenge, as we also share in this issue. Through some simple, effective steps, people can proactively take control of their finances and protect themselves from ruin.
Our story about the reluctant caregiver reminds me that people do not always choose their path in life but are sometimes led to it through duty and circumstance. It takes tenacity to move forward, to acknowledge conflicting feelings, and to build confidence amid often overwhelming circumstances.
We hope you are enjoying the inclusion of Spanish-language pages in our English-language print magazine. This new initiative is meant to increase inclusivity and foster continued engagement with our readership from all walks of life. These Spanish-language stories, chosen from recently published English-language features, are some of our most-shared articles, the ones we hope will spur discussion and encourage conversation among friends and family.
Despite whatever our circumstances may be, we aim to keep striving, whether through small challenges in our daily lives or bigger, unimagined hardships. What are some ways that you have overcome difficulty or found courage to deal with hardship in recent days? We want to hear your stories. Please email us at brainandlife@wolterskluwer.com.
Sarah Song, MD, MPH, FAAN, Editor in Chief
