A Different Dementia

I was surprised that Melba Newsome's helpful article about early-onset Alzheimer's disease ("Early Clues," October/November 2018) didn't mention frontotemporal dementia, which often presents earlier than Alzheimer's and has somewhat different symptoms. It would be useful to run a piece on this disease sometime. An excellent organization that should be included in your assistance directory is the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. My own husband died of Alzheimer's at age 68, a diagnosis that was confirmed upon autopsy. — Rachel Hadas, Newark, NJ

THE EDITOR RESPONDS: Thank you for your letter and your suggestion. We have written about frontotemporal dementia before ("A Labor of Love," June/July 2015) and will write about it again in the future.

Now Hear This

In your Brain Boost article about hearing loss and cognitive decline ("Sound Advice," October/November 2018), you wrote that people who are deaf or hard of hearing are "less likely to socialize in groups or visit restaurants, movies, and places of worship." Thank you for not writing, "Deaf people isolate themselves." If people who are deaf socialize less, it is not by choice. Try to find a quiet restaurant, a church with a telecoil hearing loop, or an open-captioned movie. Just ask the next hard-of-hearing person you meet how often he hears the phrase "Oh, it's not important" after someone has said something he hasn't heard. — Leah O'Connor, Chicago, IL

Water and ALS

Your article about water exercise ("5 Reasons to Try Water Exercise," October/November 2018) brought a smile to my face. After my mother was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), I found a retirement community with an indoor pool. She and I would swim and float every day. The water brought her much happiness when she couldn't walk well or talk. My mother lived less than a year after her diagnosis, but those last months were a wonderful chance to continue to bond as mother and daughter. — Claudia Wilke-Adams, Coppell, TX

Mister Rogers to the Rescue

I am inspired by Beth Usher's Speak Up essay ("Mister Rogers Saved My Life," October/November 2018) to share another story about Fred Rogers. In 1998 on The Diane Rehm Show, a syndicated radio show on NPR, Rehm (who has spasmodic dysphonia) interviewed Fred Rogers and later fielded calls from listeners. One such caller was the parent of an autistic child who had never communicated or interacted with anyone until the day the family happened upon Rogers' show on their TV. As Rogers turned toward the TV audience and said, "I like you just the way you are. Won't you be my neighbor?" the family watched their son look directly into Rogers' eyes and listen intently, something he had never done previously. The caller told Rogers he was her son's first human contact, ever. When Rehm asked how her son was doing now, the caller reported that he was 31, married, and had children of his own. — Marilyn Dejong, Grand Rapids, MI

Yes to Public Figures

A reader recently wrote in to complain about celebrities on the cover. I am completely the opposite: I love reading about the many wonderful people who are in the public eye and dealing with difficult health problems. I loved Lesley Stahl's story of helping her husband manage his Parkinson's disease. I also enjoyed reading about Sharon Stone, who is now back on the scene after her stroke in 2001.

I can relate to their stories. I had my first stroke on May 3, 2014, at 1:55 p.m. and didn't get to the hospital until 9:30 p.m., so it was too late for tPA. I had a second stroke a year later in May. Ironically, both my strokes occurred during Stroke Awareness Month. As a result of my strokes, I've forgotten how to write poetry, am afraid to audition for theater and film as a performing union member, and have difficulty reading.

But I am grateful for your magazine. My first issue included a cover story on Esmeralda Santiago ("Hitting the Books," August/September 2014), a writer who had a stroke and developed aphasia and had to learn how to read again. I also enjoyed hearing how Scrabble and developing a sense of Zen helped Sarah Perl recover from a traumatic brain injury ("Word Wise," December 2015/January 2016).

It is just a joy to go to the mailbox and see my latest copy of Brain & Life, which I never discard. When I attend meetings at hospitals in New York City, I bring my issue along with extra postcards to get people to sign up. It is a treasure. — Pat Dasko, New York, NY

The Power of Positivity

The thing that strikes me about the people featured in Brain & Life is how brave they are in dealing with their various neurologic conditions. Your magazine always has a positive vibe that, yes, these things happen, but we will go on. My mom had a massive stroke seven years ago, followed by two seizures in the next couple of years. Despite the devastation of that stroke and its complications, she has never given up trying to get better. Since then she has regained her ability to walk, talk, read, write, and generally live her life. She has stayed positive and applied her sense of humor often. One of her go-to sayings is "You have to laugh."

My mother wants people who have had a stroke to know that with time and determination they will improve. If they keep working, they will get better. Thank you for your awesome magazine. — Katherine Armbruster-Kittle, Pleasant Valley, NY

Bialik Beef

In your recent issue, Mayim Bialik encourages young girls to love science ("Mission Possible," October/November 2018). Since 56 percent of college entrants are now female, I wonder if Ms. Bialik has any interest in encouraging boys in their education? — Richard Iaconelli, Philadelphia, PA

THE EDITOR RESPONDS: Thanks for writing. In fact, Ms. Bialik does encourage boys in their education. She wrote Boying Up: How to Be Bold, Brave, and Brilliant, to help boys grow into successful, respectful young men, including pursuing science if they so desire.

Dance Diva

I would have loved to have seen Tamirra Stewart, the woman who hit her head on the concrete and sustained a traumatic brain injury (Profiles, October/November 2018), on that show Dancing with the Stars. She's wonderful. — John Halstead, Minneapolis, MN

Managing Mild Cognitive Impairment

My wife, Nancy, was recently diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Since then we have adopted habits that we believe have contributed to slowing her memory loss. We exercise—play golf and tennis, swim, bike, walk—and garden. We stay socially engaged through singing in a choir, dancing, doing word puzzles, and playing games. Our family is aware of my wife's diagnosis, and they are involved in her care. We ask for help whenever we need it. We also continue to maintain a positive attitude! — Earle Everett, Philadelphia, PA