Tuning Into Brain Health: The Intersection of Music, Science, and Dementia Care with Eyleen Braaten and Dr. Patricia Izbicki
In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health Podcast from the Virtual Brain Health Center, expert host Dr. Krystal Culler engages with two distinguished guests, Dr. Patricia Izbicki and Eyleen Braaten, to explore the intersection of music and brain health.
Dr. Izbicki, a neuroscientist and musician, and Eyleen, the Executive Director of the Giving Voice Chorus, discuss the profound impact of music on cognitive health, emotional well-being, and social connectivity.
They share insights from scientific research and real-world applications, emphasizing how group singing can significantly benefit individuals, especially those living with dementia and their care partners.
The episode highlights the transformative power of music in fostering joy, community, and cognitive resilience, urging listeners to embrace music in their daily lives.
00:00 Introduction to Brain Health
00:45 Meet Our Special Guests
02:59 Patricia's Journey into Music and Neuroscience
03:58 Eileen's Passion for Music and Brain Health
04:53 The Science Behind Music and the Brain
08:23 Benefits of Singing and Choir Participation
10:25 The Giving Voice Initiative
14:45 Transformative Stories from Giving Voice
25:34 Long-term Benefits of Music on Cognitive Health
30:00 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Resources:
-
Learn more about the Giving Voice Chorus on their website.
-
Explore more of Dr. Patricia Izbicki’s science writing on her website.
Dr. Patricia Izbicki, Ph.D.
Neuroscientist, Musician, Board Member of the Giving Voice Chorus
Dr. Patricia Izbicki is a neuroscientist, classical pianist, and forthcoming music therapist blending science and the arts. Her research on music-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases has been published in leading journals like Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience and Psychomusicology. She has also written for Scientific American and BrainFacts.
As an engagement manager at Mirada Life Sciences, Patricia focuses on medical education, market access, and precision neurology. She serves on the executive board of Giving Voice Chorus, creating joy for individuals with dementia, and consults for LUCID Therapeutics, supporting Resonance Rx, a personalized FDA-approved music intervention.
Patricia enjoys running, scuba diving, hiking, and pickleball with her partner Mark. Together, they manage a tiny home Airbnb, The Nauti House, and are raising three dogs and six chickens while dreaming big for their future adventures.
Eyleen Braaten
Executive Director, Giving Voice Chorus
Eyleen joined Giving Voice in 2017 and has been instrumental in the growth of the organization. Since becoming Executive Director in 2021, Eyleen’s focus has been on creating unique and innovative opportunities to expand the Giving Voice mission across the world while keeping our local choruses strong.
Eyleen believes that music is an expression of our humanity and connects us all. Eyleen’s vision is for all communities across the globe to have access to a Giving Voice Chorus. She has demonstrated expertise in strategy, networking, and collaboration.
Before becoming Executive Director, she headed marketing and communications, launched programming for our local choruses, and created a global Learning Community of more than 40 Alzheimer’s choruses.
Eyleen has a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute and a previous career in mediation.
Eyleen’s favorite thing about Giving Voice is that “we are a family.”
