In Step

I enjoyed the article “How Dance Promotes Brain Health” (February/March 2025). A new skill that I recently learned and am continuing to refine is Indian classical dance. While learning these dances, I realized that my brain has been undergoing significant changes in terms of retention and memory. My motor coordination is increasing, and the neurons in my brain are quickly responding to the music and beats required to perform the specific steps. — Erikka Chowdhury, MS, Elmwood Park, NJ

Square dancing is different from other types of dancing. The calls can be done individually, as a couple, or in unison with all eight dancers in a square. In order to learn and retain the calls, some serious brain work must be done. The challenge to the brain is reacting when you hear the call; you have to know which way to go.

I promote square dancing with the slogan, “Fun, fitness, and friendship.” The need for socialization, especially as we age, is extremely important for our well-being. One of my callers said, “When you have things bothering or upsetting you, and you go square dancing, your brain is so totally focused on dancing that you forget your problems and enjoy the activity.” I quickly realized that he was absolutely correct. — Judith Mason, The Villages, FL

Invisible Illness

I appreciated the February/March 2025 issue's focus on “invisible” illnesses. I have temporomandibular joint [problems], migraines, a shoulder injury, and occipital neuralgia.

I'm very aware that a lot of people do not understand the pain I experience and its effect on my quality of life. Even common actions, such as wiping a counter, cause me pain. I don't have much interest in socializing. That is depressing, but even more so are the reactions I get from others when I try to explain the causes of my pain. I wish more people would realize that others can have chronic pain that isn't outwardly visible and that it can have a profound effect on their lives. — Brenda Henderson, Terre Haute, IN

I read with great interest your recent article on the invisible symptoms. I acquired an autoimmune condition in April 2021 and later idiopathic transverse myelitis. In May 2021, I checked out of the hospital in a wheelchair. With ongoing rehab, acupuncture, and physiotherapy, I am now able to manage walking on flat surfaces well. There is an overwhelming amount of unknowns, and, as you bring to light, the invisible pieces of these conditions: brain fog, sleepless nights, and anxiety over any ache or pain. Cheers to those who continue. We are stronger than we know. — Tracy Riench, Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA

I have suffered with severe leg pain most of my life. In 2022, I finally received a diagnosis: painful legs and moving toes (PLMT) syndrome, a rare neurologic disorder characterized by severe burning; shooting pain in the legs; involuntary, shock-like jerking in the legs; and/or involuntary toe movements. I have tried many medications over the years and still have not found the one that works for my pain management. It is very difficult to describe my diagnosis to others because I don't “look sick or disabled.” Thank you for bringing silent suffering into the light. — Debbie Zavatsky, Spring Grove, PA

Your article [on invisible illnesses] really struck a chord with me. In 2010, I had two brain tumors surgically removed. I had two more tumors shot with radiation in 2013, two more in 2023, and two more in 2024. The side effects of all the trauma to my brain from the original surgery and subsequent radiation has made every day a struggle. My cognitive abilities have taken a hit. If you are sitting across the table from me, I look fine. But if I've been sitting for more than an hour and try to walk away, you'll get a glimpse into how not-just-fine I am. — Kirstine Chvala, Palmer, NE

Support for CADASIL

Thank you for the profile on Maggie Spolizino regarding CADASIL [cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy] (“Raising Awareness for CADASIL After Losing a Loved One,” February/March 2025). My husband has the disorder. It is a rare thing to have but still needs awareness and support. We live from day to day. He has had strokes and has dementia from it. Any support we can get is wonderful. Keep up the good work, Maggie. — Pam White, Weeki Wachee, FL

Finding Help

I believe my brain function has been affected by a concussion sustained several years ago. Brain & Life is an incredible resource, whether or not someone experiences or knows someone experiencing a brain health issue. Knowledge is power, and everyone should be reading this publication to get a better understanding of people affected by these disorders. I've appreciated the mental health strategies, coping skills, exercise topics, and most of all the compassion in the articles. — Tina Merwin, Milwaukee, WI

Submissions

Letters to the editor can be sent to BrainandLife@wolterskluwer.com. Please include a phone number or email address. Although we cannot respond to every letter or dispense medical advice, we will do our best to reply.