Badge of Courage
In response to the editor's letter asking to hear from readers about courageous people in their lives (“Profiles in Courage,” August/September 2024), I nominate my son, Andre Sebastian Johnson, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007 at age 19. Since then, he's been able to overcome several relapses and continues to work in a position that is very demanding and challenging. He's my hero. —Nancy Torres, The Bronx, NY
When I was diagnosed with parkinsonism and dystonia in 2007 at age 17, I was shocked, confused, and sad. I had always been very active. Growing up, I played soccer, baseball, softball, and volleyball. I also swam and did competitive cheerleading. Now I was in constant discomfort and had little control over my body. Then I discovered Rock Steady Boxing, a program designed for people with Parkinson's disease. This rigorous one-hour class focuses on balance, gait, agility, and endurance while also incorporating boxing technique and skills. Since joining the program, I've felt stronger and happier. I am thankful for Rock Steady Boxing. It has helped me heal and restored my courage. —Emilie Mascoli, Levittown, NY
In Harmony
I enjoyed the article on soprano Renée Fleming (August/September 2024). Neurologist Oliver Sacks wrote about the therapeutic benefits of music for those with neurologic disorders. These conditions can create chaos, and structure is lost. Music, with its rhythm and timing, brings back that structure. I find harmony when I listen to Bach. —John L. Hoh Jr., Beloit, WI
World Brain Day
In response to the article about World Brain Day (June/July 2024), here is how I, an 81-year-old male, spent July 22. I woke up naturally without an alarm. I brushed my teeth, then ate oatmeal and drank coffee for breakfast. After breakfast, I did the very difficult Sunday sudoku puzzle. I later went for a two-mile walk to pick up a grocery item. I ate a light lunch around noon, then went to a doctor's appointment. My blood pressure was 109/58, and my pulse was 52. For dinner, I ate chicken and vegetables. Before bed, I watched a TV show with quiz questions. Then I read a magazine and watched the news. Right before retiring, I flossed and brushed my teeth. —Lou Compton, Honolulu
On World Brain Day, I woke up early, brushed my teeth, and read the New York Times. After that, I practiced some yoga and meditation. For breakfast, I had fresh waffles and fruit salad. Later I went swimming, read some scientific articles, and had a video call with my mentor. In the afternoon, I did some Indian classical dance and played the guitar. I had mushroom barley soup for dinner, took an evening stroll, and watched a movie. After the movie, I put on pajamas, brushed my teeth, read a little before turning off all electronic devices, and finally dozed off to sleep. —Erikka Chowdhury, Elmwood Park, NJ
Epilepsy Info
The article about ways to prevent seizures (Ask Your Neurologist, June/July 2024) stated that people with epilepsy should tell their doctors if they are taking birth control pills or are using hormone replacement therapy, because both can trigger seizures. I was surprised by this comment as I've had epilepsy since infancy, and in my twenties I experienced an increase in seizures around the time of my menstrual period. My neurologist prescribed birth control pills to treat my epilepsy, and I had fewer seizures as a result. —Kathleen K., Quincy, MA
THE EDITOR RESPONDS: The effect birth control pills have on seizure activity varies from person to person. Some people report fewer seizures, some report an increase in seizures, and others report no change, says Joseph I. Sirven, MD, FAAN, an epilepsy specialist on our editorial board.
Creative Consequence
About 10 years ago, I began doing the two sudoku puzzles in the daily paper with my left hand. Initially, it was next to impossible. It was about three months before I could write with the tiniest bit of ease. Not long after, I experienced a burst of creativity. I had always been a paper crafter, and suddenly I was making Wow after Wow cards—that's what we paper crafters call them. This is all very subjective, but I love reading about neuroscience, and I know what happened to me. —Annette Lempkowski, Oro Valley, AZ
Hospital Help
Regarding the story on keeping loved ones safe in the hospital (August/September 2024), I have some advice based on my own experience. Patients and caregivers should not assume that hospital staff will follow instructions in an advance directive. In Florida, where I live, there is a special form for a do not resuscitate (DNR) order, and it must be printed on yellow paper to be considered legally valid. If I need hospital care again, I will make sure the pre-op nurse has a copy and the other is attached to the foot of my hospital bed. —Mark Van Patten, Punta Gorda, FL
