Musical intervention at a Virginia hospital aids in overcoming cognitive impairments
The Brain Choir: Fostering Connection and Communication for Neurocognitive Disorder Patients
The Brain Choir, a unique music therapy programme at Inova Loudoun Hospital, is providing support and a sense of community for individuals dealing with neurocognitive disorders such as stroke and Parkinson's disease.
Led by board-certified music therapist Mowgli Hassan, the choir meetings bring together both in-person and virtual participants almost every Wednesday in Leesburg. The gatherings revolve around singing and sharing, offering a platform for social connection and speech practice.
For Ashley Beard, a choir member living with aphasia and apraxia, the Brain Choir provides an opportunity to shine, even one word at a time. The shared experience of making music helps her engage in vocalization and rhythm, improving her speech production and boosting her confidence.
Ryan Alam, the youngest member of the choir, faces a different challenge. At 20 years old, he was diagnosed with a rare disease called MPAN (mitochondrial membrane protein-associated neurodegeneration), a condition that causes an "iron overload of different brain areas." Despite his worsening condition, Ryan continues to sing and dance with those who understand, finding joy and shared sorrow in the meetings.
Susan Kenney, a 73-year-old stroke survivor, found support and community in the Brain Choir after struggling to find it elsewhere. She had a stroke at the age of 70 on Christmas Eve and spent several days in the hospital. Kenney's introduction to the choir marked a turning point in her recovery, providing her with a space to navigate her new normal through music.
The Brain Choir also welcomes individuals like John Black, who lives with Parkinson's disease. John finds comfort in the weekly meetings, where he can share his experiences and feelings with others who understand.
Each session begins with a check-in, where participants share their thoughts and feelings, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual encouragement. The choir meetings are more than just a therapeutic session; they are a community of individuals who support each other in their journey towards recovery and communication.
However, the Brain Choir is not just a space for healing; it is also a celebration of life. Tragically, Elizabeth Froin, a beloved member of the choir, passed away unexpectedly. Her spirit lives on in the choir, inspiring others to keep singing and dancing.
The Brain Choir is a shining example of how music therapy can transform lives, offering hope and connection to those dealing with neurocognitive disorders. Despite the challenges these individuals face, the Brain Choir provides a supportive environment where they can find their voice, build community, and rediscover the joy of music.
[1] Source: Inova Health System (2021). The Brain Choir: A Choir for People Living with Neurocognitive Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.inova.org/news/brain-choir-choir-people-living-neurocognitive-disorders
- The Brain Choir, a music therapy program, supports individuals with neurocognitive disorders like stroke and Parkinson's disease, creating a platform for health and wellness, mental health, and speech practice.
- In the Brain Choir, participants, including those with conditions like aphasia, apraxia, and MPAN, come together for fitness and exercise, therapies and treatments, and nutrition, fostering connection, confidence, and improved speech production.
- Neurological disorders like strokes and Parkinson's disease can be isolating, but the Brain Choir provides a supportive community where members can share their experiences, feelings, and even joy, despite their challenges.
- The Brain Choir is more than just a therapeutic session; it is a celebration of life, a space for healing, and a testament to the transformative power of music in mental health, health and wellness, and fostering connection for those dealing with neurocognitive disorders.
