COVID-19 Concerns

My wife is an intensive care nurse at a local hospital, where she's worked for the last 37 years. In all that time, she's shared many stories, some sad, some filled with happiness, and some with unanswered questions. Before this pandemic, I had never witnessed my wife being fearful. Now she is scared: scared for herself, me, our family, the nation, the future. She is exhibiting all the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. I asked her if she wanted to continue working, to continue wearing the heavy protective garments, the gloves (two pairs), and head shield. I suggested she take a leave of absence, to get away for a while and spend some time with the family. But my wife is a fighter; she slogs through adversity like Patton. So, on we go. Me washing the scrubs, disinfecting the bottoms of shoes, making dinner, and doing the grocery shopping while wearing a mask. My heart hurts for my lovely Clara Barton; I pray we all get through this and develop some much-needed empathy, compassion, and love for all who survive. Take some time, a minute or two, and think of life six months ago and life now. - Jack Osterman, Deepwater, MO

There is too much COVID-19 information from unreliable sources. Brain & Life is certainly one of the trusted ones. If your influence and reputation can help get rid of the marginal sources, all of us would be better off. Thank you for making the publication so dependable. - Rick Alexander, Blue Hill, ME

It is very important that we show our appreciation for neurology professionals during this critical time, as health care workers are under added stress to keep patients safe while looking for ways to deal with the virus. - Frances Farthing, Fayetteville, NC

If I start getting depressed, angry, or frustrated during this health crisis, I turn to music. Music is keeping me sane while we all work together to fight this virus. Now that I have extra time, I'm learning some new classical pieces and practicing Twelve Variations and a rondo by Mozart. I try not to panic or run around crying, "The sky is falling!" I know it won't help. Using common sense and following precautions are what work for me. - S. Young, Bloomington, MN

I was not able to see my husband, who has Lewy body dementia and lives in a nursing home, for weeks and heard from staff only three times during the first 22 days. After two weeks, I bought two Alexas so I could see and talk to him. I was afraid to bring him home and afraid to leave him there. The person in the room next to his was in quarantine, but I have no idea if that person had the virus. - Annette Phillips, Avondale Estates, GA

THE EDITOR RESPONDS: We're sorry to hear about your husband. Please see our story "Dementia During COVID-19" href="/link/a251616cd664477eab23ec3b582345e1.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stay Connected to Family Members with Dementia During COVID-19" which has tips we hope will be helpful for those monitoring people with dementia in nursing facilities or at home.

Thank you for all the support during the pandemic. I live in Washington State, where my husband and I, who are both considered high-risk, have been staying home and self-isolating. While it's hard, it's also necessary. It's difficult dealing with everything, but we will get through this. Stay safe, stay healthy. - Vicki Sulfaro, Tacoma, WA

My wife, who has had Parkinson's disease for 20 years, had her quarterly exam with her neurologists via the telephone, as the clinic is closed due to the COVID-19 crisis. I can't say the telephone is the best method for examination, but it sure was comforting to hear her neurologists' familiar voices. - Michael Martone, New York City

THE EDITOR RESPONDS: It's good to hear that the call was comforting. For more information about telehealth appointments, see "Making the Most of Virtual Doctor Visits."

Keep on Fighting

I was touched by the article on Nanci Ryder ("Inside Nanci Ryder's Battle with ALS," April/May 2020). My mom also was diagnosed with the bulbar-onset form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). So much of what Nanci is going through, my mom went through. Like Nanci, my mother had the support of wonderful friends. She also was one of the bravest and most determined people I've ever known. Thank you for all the information you shared about ALS. It's helpful for patients and their families to know about the research being done to fight this disease as we wait for a cure. - Jeanna Grammer, Northport, AL

After reading the article about Nanci Ryder, I was inspired to share my story. Huntington's disease (HD) runs in my family. My maternal grandmother and mother both died from it. Then my sister began to exhibit symptoms in her forties and was diagnosed with the disease. I cried and begged God to let me trade places with her. As her condition progressed, she began to experience unusual symptoms like neuropathy and muscle weakness. At an appointment with a specialist at the University of Kansas (KU), she was diagnosed with ALS as well as HD. We were told hers was only the third such case in 30 years that had been seen at KU. Soon after, my sister chose to enter hospice. Three months later, she died in her husband's arms. - Terry Hutchings, Sedalia, MO

THE EDITOR RESPONDS: We're sorry to hear about the loss of your sister from ALS and HD. Evidence suggests it is exceedingly rare to have both, and the number of reported cases of co-occurrence of ALS and HD remains very low.

ADHD in the Family

My grandson was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) several years ago, so I was pleased to see your article on adults and children with ADHD ("What Neurologists Are Learning from Treating Adults with ADHD," April/May 2020). His ongoing treatment helps him function better in school and in everyday life. - Janet Hasenkamp, San Diego

Helmet for Hiking

April Hester's plan to traverse the Appalachian Trail brought back memories of my own trek ("Hiking the Appalachian Trail for Multiple Sclerosis," April/May 2020). Two friends and I did the northern third of the trail—approximately 700 miles—during the summer between my junior and senior years of college. I am now 68 and have had multiple sclerosis for 23 years. I've had problems with leg weakness and balance but have kept hiking to the extent possible. When I hike over rocky terrain, I have at least one friend with me, I use two trekking poles, and I wear a lightweight, ventilated rock-climbing helmet to protect my head in case I fall. I recommend it to any hiker who has problems with balance. - Dorothy Tepper, Amissville, VA

Tool for Volunteering

While none of my family, closest friends, or I have the neurology challenges discussed in Brain & Life, I find the magazine helpful. I read articles in every issue. I have been involved with youth activities, tutoring learning-challenged students and coaching for more than five decades. The insights on brain functioning and personal engagement continue to inform my volunteering. - Tim Brainerd, Framingham, MA

Helpful Validation

Reading Kristin Chenoweth's story ("Singer Kristin Chenoweth Speaks Up for Those with Migraine," December 2019/January 2020) validated my own photosensitivity in relation to Meniere's disease, where I would experience dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and pain. Thank you for sharing, Kristin! - Peggy Merritt, Knoxville, TN

Getting Through

Last year my husband of 44 years died from complications of primary progressive aphasia, a disease he was diagnosed with in 2015. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and he lost the ability to speak, developed severe tremors, and became more confused every day. He always knew who I was, and we loved each other to the end. We had hospice care at home so we could face this last chapter together. I write this letter to those who wonder how they will face another day. Just know that you will. - Kathy Berumen, Belgrade, MT