Brain Health is a unique series focused on how to help you age well. These stories have been created in cooperation with AARP and Word In Black.

No day is routine for Dr. Vovanti Jones, and it’s not supposed to be.

As medical director at Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital in Columbia, Missouri, Jones sees individuals with neuromuscular conditions, such as strokes, spinal cord injuries, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, otherwise known as ALS. Many of her patients, ages 18 to 100, cannot move their core muscles or form words. They might have difficulties with memory and attention.

Their pathways to recovery vary, with specialized, short-term care for some. Others may require more complex treatments that may last a lifetime. 

“We often try to teach them things like how they transfer or move their body from their wheelchair to the bed,” says Jones, who regularly leads a team of physiatrists caring for patients. “And we try different devices or equipment to help them be as independent as possible.”

“Occupational therapy works to teach them everyday living things like brushing your teeth,” Jones says. “How do you do that if your dominant hand isn’t working? How do you take a shower? We often work on them with those specific tasks to see where the patient may excel in those areas.”

A global survey of clinical diagnoses shows that neuromuscular diseases affect 15 million people. The diseases often seem indiscriminate, presenting symptoms early in the lives of some patients and later for others. 

Dr. Jones has carefully studied healing modalities for these conditions as part of her practice and for her own wellbeing. At 36 years old, she lives with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, a rare disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness. 

“It wasn’t really until I got into my first and second year of medical school that I started to need assisted devices,” says Jones, who went from walking to using a cane and, eventually, attending courses in a motorized scooter. “That was a journey in itself because medicine as a whole is not a very accepting field for individuals with disabilities.” 

Preliminary research involving a sample of 6000 practicing physician members found that 3.1% identified as having a disability. The majority shared having either a chronic health issue or condition affecting mobility. While widespread data is not available, there is evidence that medical doctors with various conditions can and do actively treat patients.

“That’s why it’s also important for these individuals to see someone like me – a doctor with a disability – still being able to be out in society and be productive in the job that I’m doing.”

Jones knew as a child that she wanted to go into medicine. In middle school, she pursued science summer camps and, when she got to college, participated in summer research programs. A Black woman, she surrounded herself with Black physicians, role models and mentors who showed her the possibilities of a career in medicine. 

“That’s why it’s also important for these individuals to see someone like me – a doctor with a disability – still being able to be out in society and be productive in the job that I’m doing,” says Jones of her patients. “I think for a lot of individuals who may have not had a lot of interaction with individuals with a disability prior to their injury or illness, they may not be sure of what things can look like for a future.”

“I really love just being able to talk to people – learn their stories.”

Working in a clinic is an opportunity to get to know patients; to learn from them and create social connections so that they can thrive while living with their conditions. Jones says she has also adapted some of their techniques to help ease her day-to-day schedule outside of the hospital.  

“I really love just being able to talk to people – learn their stories,” she says.

AARP’s Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH) strongly encourages staying social and active to maintain wellness as we age. This includes developing social bonds with new people, as well as long-term acquaintances. The GCBH also recommends helping others and “exercising brain muscles”–learning new things– as much as you can.   

Find more information from AARP about brain health, click here.