In a recent New York Times article, the performance “Epiphany Machine” was described. During the performance, the brain activity of dancers is analyzed. Excerpt: Over the past few decades, dance has been used as a rehabilitation tool for people with neurological disorders, tying into a long history of dance as a healing practice. … Participants in programs like Mark Morris Dance Center’s Dance for PD — which for more than 20 years has offered specialized classes for people with Parkinson’s disease — found them to be effective before science could fully explain why they worked. But dance neuroscience studies are beginning to reveal the neural mechanisms behind dance’s positive impact on motor function, cognition and mental well-being in people with a variety of neurological conditions. “Dance is joyful and mindful for everyone,” said Julia C. Basso, one of the creators of and performers in “Epiphany Machine” and the director of Virginia Tech’s Embodied Brain Laboratory. But for those whose brains are having difficulty communicating with their bodies, “it’s especially powerful.” (The full article is behind the NYT paywall.)
Category Archives: Living with a Neurological Condition
NYT: Cheng Pei Pei, ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ Star, Dies at 78
Brain Support Network was honored to assist in the brain donation of Cheng Pei Pei, the legendary Queen of Martial Arts.
Rep. Wexton, confronting degenerative disease (PSP), finds her voice through AI
Here are some excerpts from a “Washington Post” article about Rep. Jennifer Wexton, who has progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).
Excerpt:
It seemed like the simplest of things — the sound of her own voice. But Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.) “cried happy tears” recently when she typed out some words and heard them read aloud by an artificial intelligence-generated version of the speaking voice she has all but lost to a degenerative medical condition. … Wexton made headlines this year by using a robotic-sounding speech application to deliver remarks on the House floor. It was a widely hailed display of resilient spirit, but the app didn’t sound like her.
“Hard Days: My Life with a Neurodegenerative Disease” (PSP) – Short book review
We came across a short book review about “Hard Days: My Life with a Neurodegenerative Disease,” by Dr. Branko Lugovic. Dr. Lugovic, a scientist, has progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Looks like worthwhile reading.“Can’t Sleep? Try This Proven Alternative to Medication” – cognitive behavior therapy (NYT)
Many caregivers and those with neurological diseases suffer from insomnia. In this 2023 “New York Times” article on cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), two sources are suggested for finding CBT-I practitioners near you:
* Try the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine to find members
* Or the Penn International CBT-I directory
The article says “If you cannot find a provider, C.B.T.-I. instruction is easy to access online. Yet it is rarely the first thing people try.”