Mom in 50s Combats Brain Fog with Comedy, Music, and Dance

The author is embracing stand-up comedy, drumming, and tap dancing to enhance her memory and mental clarity.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The author, a 50-year-old mom, started experiencing concerning memory lapses and brain fog, leading her to seek cognitive testing. After receiving negative results, she decided to proactively work on sharpening her brain through various activities like stand-up comedy, drumming, and tap dancing. The author believes these brain-boosting hobbies not only help improve her memory but also provide a sense of joy and accomplishment.

Why it matters

As people age, cognitive decline and memory issues can be a common concern. The author's story highlights the importance of being proactive about brain health and the potential benefits of engaging in mentally stimulating and physically active hobbies, which research suggests can help maintain cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia.

The details

The author began experiencing concerning memory lapses, such as forgetting her young daughter in the car and forgetting the name of an acquaintance. This led her to seek cognitive testing, which came back negative. Determined to sharpen her brain, the author has embraced various activities, including stand-up comedy, drumming, and tap dancing. She believes these hobbies not only challenge her mentally but also provide a sense of joy and accomplishment. The author has found that drumming, in particular, has helped improve her face memory, and tap dancing has rekindled a former passion while providing physical and mental stimulation.

  • A few months ago, the author cringed when she ran into an acquaintance at the supermarket because her mental rustiness made her forget the person's name.
  • The author is enrolled in an adult tap class through June, when she will exhibit her moves and stellar memory in the recital.

The players

Holly Rizzuto Palker

A 50-year-old mom who started experiencing concerning memory lapses and brain fog, leading her to seek proactive ways to sharpen her brain.

The Mom Coms

A successful comedy show created by the author that pokes fun at the anxiety-inducing parenting moments every parent faces.

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What they’re saying

“Mama?" My daughter's eyes fluttered as I unbuckled her five-point harness. When she smiled up at me, relief overtook my body as I shook.”

— Holly Rizzuto Palker (businessinsider.com)

“Sign me up!" I said.”

— Holly Rizzuto Palker (businessinsider.com)

What’s next

The author plans to continue her drum lessons and tap dancing classes, as well as her Canasta games with her best friend, as she works to sharpen her brain and maintain her cognitive function.

The takeaway

The author's story highlights the importance of being proactive about brain health as we age, and the potential benefits of engaging in mentally stimulating and physically active hobbies, which can help maintain cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.