Music therapy at a Virginia hospital successfully addresses cognitive disorders.
The Brain Choir: A Community of Hope and Healing
In Leesburg, Virginia, a unique choir is making a significant impact on the lives of individuals dealing with neurocognitive disorders. The Brain Choir, based at Inova Loudoun Hospital, uses music therapy to help members conquer speaking difficulties and build a supportive community.
Led by board-certified music therapist Mowgli Hassan, the choir meets almost every Wednesday, both in person and over Zoom. Each session begins with a check-in, allowing members to share their current status and provide emotional support.
Hassan uses a variety of instruments, including a keyboard and computer, to facilitate singing and musical participation. Participants, such as stroke survivors and those with Parkinson's disease, use singing as a therapeutic method to improve speech fluency and communication skills, often impaired by their conditions.
The group format of The Brain Choir combats isolation and depression by creating a supportive social environment where members feel seen, heard, and connected. Personal stories, like that of Susan Kenney, a 73-year-old stroke survivor, illustrate how the choir provides a way to navigate "the new normal" through shared musical experience.
Kenney struggled with her new life after the stroke and was unable to find help until she found The Brain Choir. "The choir has given me a sense of belonging," she said. "I feel like I'm part of something bigger than myself."
Ryan Alam, the youngest member of The Brain Choir, is a 21-year-old living with a rare, progressive disease called MPAN (mitochondrial membrane protein-associated neurodegeneration). Doctors have told him they cannot make his disease better, but they hope to have a cure for the generation after him. Despite his worsening condition, Alam maintains a bright outlook.
The Brain Choir is not just about music therapy; it's about community. Ashley Beard, a member with aphasia and apraxia, is a part of The Brain Choir's music ensemble, The Brain Choir. Ryan Haag, a 21-year-old member who had a rare, hemorrhagic stroke at the age of 20, also finds solace and support in the choir.
However, the choir is not without its sorrows. Elizabeth Froin, a beloved member, unexpectedly passed away. Her memory lives on in the choir, and her spirit is a constant reminder of the importance of the work they do.
In the meetings of The Brain Choir, there is joy and shared sorrow. Music therapist Mowgli Hassan continues to provide opportunities for members to shine, even one word at a time. For those with neurocognitive disorders such as stroke and Parkinson's disease, The Brain Choir offers hope, healing, and a sense of belonging.
- The Brain Choir, a community in Leesburg, Virginia, leverages music therapy to assist individuals with neurocognitive disorders, like Parkinson's disease, in improving speech fluency and communication skills.
- The group format of The Brain Choir fosters a supportive social environment, helping members, such as stroke survivor Susan Kenney and 21-year-old Ryan Alam with MPAN, combat isolation and depression.
- In addition to providing neurological benefits, The Brain Choir functions as a haven for entertainment, with members like Ashley Beard and Ryan Haag engaging in music performances as part of the ensemble, The Brain Choir.
- Despite the occasional sorrow, such as the loss of beloved member Elizabeth Froin, The Brain Choir continues to uphold its mission of hope, healing, and a sense of belonging for those dealing with various medical-conditions, including neurodegenerative disorders and mental health challenges.
