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Is Alzheimer’s Preventable?
Despite ongoing research, currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s...
Summer Heat and Your Brain
During a perfect Sunday summer afternoon, you probably don’t think twice...
What Causes You to Feel Pain?
While no one ever expects to get hurt in a slip and fall accident, it...
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Sleep Positions and Your Brain
Getting a good night’s sleep is vital for survival. Good, consistent sleep keeps your immune system functioning properly, reduces the risk of disease, and keeps your brain sharp. Think about all the nights when you lost a few hours of sleep. Your brain was deprived of valuable sleep and it was obvious as you struggled to think clearly and do other things such as driving, working, or even walking. Not only is a solid 7 to 8 hours of sleep one of the best things you can do for your brain, but the way you sleep can also affect your brain health. Positioning for Good Sleep A majority of sleepers have a “tried and true” sleeping position. Whether you sleep on your back, stomach, or side, it’s likely you have slept in that position your whole life. Sleep experts recommend side sleeping for better posture and less back pain, but recent research suggests that side sleeping also benefits your brain. When we sleep, our brain clears its glymphatic pathway of toxins more efficiently than during the waking hours. Scientists found that mice, who slept on their sides (a natural sleeping position for humans and animals), had better functioning...
Habits for a Healthier Brain
As we age, it is human nature to wonder whether or not there is anything we can do to slow down the aging process. Many baby boomers are applying this question to enhance not only their physical appearance, but their cognitive function and brain health as well. We’ve all experienced moments of forgetfulness. Misplacing an important item, forgetting a name or getting our calendar date mixed up can lead us to wonder: is this part of getting old? Countless jokes are made at the expense of the old timer’s slow cognitive function and ability to remember yesterday. Are we doomed to live out the harsh truth at the center of these jokes or is there something that can be done about the aging brain? In a recent study carried out by Neurology Magazine, a group of researchers in China randomly selected 9 communities. Out of these communities 5,000 people that were over 55 years or older were interviewed concerning age, sex, occupation, medical conditions, medications, smoking, drinking, education and leisure activities. The group was tracked for 5 years and given the same tests each year. In the final analysis 11% had a drop in their cognitive abilities. Those 11%...
Basic Neurology 101
The Nerve Center The central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system make up the signaling conduits of the body. Neurotransmitters are sent from the brain to reach different organs of the body. The central nervous system operates through the spinal cord while the peripheral nervous system goes directly from the brain to the different parts of the body. When the central nervous system is impacted, it leads to conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. Neurological disorders can include: Loss of coordination Seizures Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Autism Alzheimer’s disease Obsessive compulsive disorder Causes of Neurological Conditions Poor coordination is related to the brain. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls movement. Seizures are also related to excessive activation and functionality of the nerve cells. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neuro-developmental psychiatric disorder whose causes are still not clear. Autism is related to the way that the nerve cells transmit information to each other. Its cause is also not yet fully clear, with a few theories being proposed involving environmental factors. Alzheimer’s disease occurs when the structure of the neurons is impacted by age leading to impact in functionality. Parkinson’s disease is also caused by neuro-degeneration....
When Exercise Becomes an Addiction
Addiction is an awful disease that needs to be monitored throughout a person’s lifetime, even when they’re seemingly in control of it. Some of us might have been personally affected by addiction issues related to alcohol, illicit and prescription drugs or gambling, or have had to step in to help a loved one who might be fighting an addiction. For some of us, the problem is limited to what we read in the newspapers or online, with supermarket tabloids, in particular, obsessed with celebrities and their issues with addiction. The reporting seems to take on a sympathetic stance, but borders on voyeuristic glee over something that really is a private problem, whether it’s the usual suspects such as Charlie Sheen or Lindsay Lohan, or even the squeaky clean star Zac Efron who quietly entered a rehab facility in early 2013 to fight certain problems with drugs and alcohol. Not all addictions seem to be unhealthy, and when someone exercises frequently and vigorously, isn’t it a good thing? It’s possible to go too far, and in certain cases, develop an addiction to sport and exercising. Body Image When someone’s view of their own body takes a dangerous turn, we often...
What are the Special Needs of a Child with Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy (CP), according to a general definition from the Mayo Health Clinic, is a disorder of movement, muscle tone or posture that is caused by injury or abnormal development in the immature brain, most often before birth. Some individuals with cerebral palsy are only mildly affected and have a relatively large range of motion, while others’ functional abilities are greatly impaired. Depending on the severity of a child’s CP, he/she will have a variety of special needs. Fortunately, there are numerous forms of treatments that allow an individual with CP to have some improved functional abilities. Types of CP and Different Needs While cerebral palsy is the most common childhood motor disability, the needs of a child are based on the type of cerebral palsy. While many CP signs occur or are noticed as early as 2 months or as late as 24 months, it is important for parents and caregivers to contact a medical professional as soon as they notice any changes, such as delayed motor skills. The earlier a child becomes diagnosed; the sooner plan can be put in to action (to improve functional abilities). Yet depending on the type of CP, a treatment plan will...