MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'assessments'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:21:44 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592366&cid=t_142118_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F2yhf1F4z5Qo%2F By Neal McCluskeyOver at Flypaper, Chester Finn suggests that people like me are either crazy or on the verge of it for fearing that the Shanker Institute's "common content" manifesto might very well be another step toward federal control of American education.   "Over in the more feverish corners of the blogosphere, and sometimes even in saner locales," he writes, "the Shanker Institute’s call for 'common content' curriculum to accompany the Common Core standards has triggered a panic attack." Now, I wouldn't say "panic attack." To panic is to "be overcome by a sudden fear," but I've been watching the move toward federal curriculum control for some time. Back in 2008 many of the groups behind the Common Core called for Washington to "incentivize" adoption of national standards. ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592366 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 20:33:41 +0100 4592366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4482876&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F_yJ4wQY3NAs%2F We’re delighted to add Brain Resource to the roster of Sponsors of the upcoming 2011 SharpBrains Summit, and the Center for  Technology and Aging and the Brain Injury Association of Canada to the roster of Partners. Thank you for your support! New Sponsor Brain Resource brings new insights and new efficiencies to managing brain health. Its proprietary platforms are used to predict who will best respond to what drug, and develop new drugs, to provide objective reports from on-line assessments of brain health across the lifespan (including ADHD, Depression, Anxiety and Schizophrenia), and to match individualized profiles with brain training exercises & interactive videos to optimize wellness & brain function. New Partners The Brain Injury Association of Canada has a mandate to im... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4482876 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 02:27:03 +0100 4482876 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4175984&cid=t_142118_165_f&fid=36770&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmetaot.com%2Fblog%2Fnew-mental-health-program-first-ot I have recently been hired as the occupational therapist for a nonprofit mental health program in the silicon valley. Currently, we are preparing our information to promote within the county. While this is underway, I have been working on gathering OT assessments, finding OT contacts for future referrals as well as for my personal OT education. The program: To provide early education and intervention for underserved youth ages 11-25 displaying early symptoms of mental illness (i.e. visual/auditory hallucinations, delusional thoughts, etc) but have NOT been diagnosed yet. In other words, or goal is to catch them BEFORE they have an episode.... prevent mental illnes (schizophrenia/bipolar) :) I have been working at a SNF for over 3 years and have not been a member of the mental health commu... meta-ot blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4175984 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 23:32:02 +0100 4175984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040516&cid=t_142118_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F07%2Fquality-and-safety-in-health-care-2010-vol-19-no-4%2F Title: National quality campaigns: who benefits? Skinny: The use of national quality campaigns to foster evidence-based hospital practices is increasing. Because campaigns typically do not limit access to their resources, they may influence non-enrolled hospitals too.  Article examines the relative impact of a national campaign, the Door-to-Balloon (D2B) Alliance, on enrolled and non-enrolled hospitals. An NHS Athens password is required to access this article online Filed under: E-Journals, Evidence Based Practice, Hospitals, Impact Assessments, Quality Tagged: Evidence Based Practice, Hospitals, Quality (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040516 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:21:37 +0100 4040516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4018290&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F3o5RXvNCqe0%2F We have received many good questions about the new SharpBrains Council for Brain Fitness Innovation — below you have some answers. Question: We are based in Asia/ Australia/ Europe. Will time differences prevent us from participating in monthly briefings and benefiting from the Council? Answer: We will do our best to facilitate a truly global community and exchange. Please consider that… we will schedule monthly briefings at 2 separate times, one at 9am US Pacific Time, the other at 4pm US Pacific Time, both covering the same topic (but perhaps with different guest speakers). And briefings will be recorded. most activities and resources are asynchronous anyway. Our market intelligence reports and other materials are available via this members-only online community 24/7, same as onlin... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4018290 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 09:41:40 +0100 4018290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683747&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FgX2zh7Kynfw%2F The main value of the independent NIH panel mentioned in the previous article comes from the recommendations it makes for research, industry and government to fill the gaps in the scientific evidence in years to come. … In fact, having access to objective, automated assessments to help consumers better monitor their cognitive health and take proactive, informed action is the one part of the brain fitness puzzle that is badly needed. It is estimated that 60% of people with Alzheimer’s Disease go undiagnosed. Most patients today get diagnosed with Alzheimer’s too late and based on tools which are not sensitive enough to pick up on subtle problems in thinking and memory needed to make accurate diagnosis and distinguish among different memory disorders. This often results in having m... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3683747 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:02:08 +0100 3683747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519572&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FAjxawfNl8LU%2F An independent expert panel organized by the NIH released yesterday a thoughtful report on the state of the science for prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease and cognitive decline. The report, available here, summarizes the panel’s review by saying: “Firm conclusions cannot be drawn about the association of modifiable risk factors with cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease.” “There is insufficient evidence to support the use of pharmaceutical agents or dietary supplements to prevent cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease. However, ongoing additional studies including (but not limited to) antihypertensive medications, omega-3 fatty acid, physical activity, and cognitive engagement may provide new insight into the prevention or delay of cognitive decline ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519572 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:16:41 +0100 3519572 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3288053&cid=t_142118_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F19%2Foccupational-therapists-and-pain-assessment%2F Can you help with this important survey? Please take a look a this link and help out! Can you help WFOT in a study assessing pain in different cultures? http://bit.ly/crmrGg (Source: HealthSkills Weblog) HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3288053 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:56:51 +0100 3288053 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3262894&cid=t_142118_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FiRm4YOCZj24%2F Earlier this week, shares in Cell Therapeutics plunged when FDA documents revealed serious concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the biotech’s pixantrone med for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The documents were posted online in advance of a meeting that was scheduled for today, although postponed due to the latest snowstorm. The FDA noted the drug was associated with potentially fatal cardiac side effects, including heart failure, and the agency questioned the strength of a Phase III trial, which enrolled far fewer patients than originally planned - 140 instead of 320 (click here and go to briefing documents). Yet the company had continually maintained it was operating under a Special Protocol Assessment, or SPA. What is an SPA? This is an agreement between a drugmaker and t... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3262894 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:08:55 +0100 3262894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3259243&cid=t_142118_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FiRm4YOCZj24%2F Earlier this week, shares in Cell Therapeutics plunged when FDA documents revealed serious concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the biotech’s pixantrone med for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The documents were posted online in advance of a meeting that was scheduled for today, although postponed due to the latest snowstorm. The FDA noted the drug was associated with potentially fatal cardiac side effects, including heart failure, and the agency questioned the strength of a Phase III trial, which enrolled far fewer patients than originally planned - 140 instead of 320 (click here and go to briefing documents). Yet the company had continually maintained it was operating under a Special Protocol Assessment, or SPA. What is an SPA? This is an agreement between a drugmaker and t... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3259243 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:08:55 +0100 3259243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3100923&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FboXjBWeG17Y%2F Dr. Michael Merzenich, Emeritus Professor at UCSF, is a leading pioneer in brain plasticity research. In the late 1980s, Dr. Merzenich was on the team that invented the cochlear implant. In 1996, he was the founding CEO of Scientific Learning Corporation (Nasdaq: SCIL), and in 2004 became co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Posit Science. He was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1999 and to the Institute of Medicine this year. He retired as Francis A. Sooy Professor and Co-Director of the Keck Center for Integrative Neuroscience at the University of California at San Francisco in 2007. You may have learned about his work in one of PBS TV specials, multiple media appearances, or neuroplasticity-related books. (Alvaro Fernandez) Dear Michael, thank you very much for agree... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3100923 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:11:50 +0100 3100923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2950687&cid=t_142118_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F02%2Fmax4health-hand-hygiene-evaluation-report%2F Title: Max4Health hand hygiene evaluation report Skinny: Sets out the results of an evaluation of the Max4Health hand hygiene campaign undertaken at Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust over a nine week period between February and April 2009 Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 16p Published: 23/10/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Impact Assessments, Infection Control Tagged: Good Practice, Grey Literature, Hand Hygiene, Infection Control (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2950687 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:04:41 +0100 2950687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2670949&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FrZYUDP-BGt4%2F Good article today in the NYT on "chemo brain" - some typical short-term and long-term cognitive consequences of chemotherapy. The Fog That Follows Chemotherapy (New York Times) One quote is critical - for chemo brain and also for a variety of clinical conditions that present associated cognitive impairments: "Controlling for brain function before cancer treatment begins can help determine cause and effect. In one study, cancer patients took a battery of neuropsychological tests before starting chemotherapy, three weeks after completing treatment, and again one year later. Although a third of the patients had signs of cognitive impairment before therapy began, the number jumped to 61 percent after treatment, and half remained impaired a year later." As we have discussed... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2670949 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 02:47:22 +0100 2670949 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2511976&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F_61B2ooGmnw%2F Given the whole distracting "controversy" of whether Nintendo Brain Age "works" or not, I have started to use the following "brain teasers" in my talks in order to help the audience gain a more useful perspective of what is going on. They worked great both in the Medicare Readmissions Summit in DC a few weeks ago, and at the Games for Heath Conference last week. Q: How many soldiers in the US Army have gone through computerized cognitive testing before being deployed, and why? A: Over 150,000, in order to establish an objective starting baseline and identify potential PTSD and TBI problems upon their return Q: How big is the ongoing investment by OptumHealth, a division of UnitedHealth Group (UNH), in developing computerized cognitive assessments to inform cli... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2511976 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:07:33 +0100 2511976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2447832&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F3XvIPyfyaWA%2F Discussion Guide: The goal of our just published book, The SharpBrains Guide to Brain Fitness, is to inform you, but also to open a much needed debate to contribute to our collective brain fitness. We encourage book clubs to read and discuss the book, and suggest 10 questions to kickstart the conversation. Please do send us your answers and impressions! Education & Learning 10% Students may have working memory problems: Why does this matter?: A recent study screened over 3,000 school-aged students in schools in the UK and found that 1 in 10 was identified as having working memory difficulties. Working memory is our ability to store and manipulate information for a brief time, and difficulties in this brain function may lead into difficulties in reading and mathematics. Dr. Tracy Allo... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2447832 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:53:26 +0100 2447832 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2447834&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fo064rsy3lpQ%2F Brain-fitness games join workplace, as well as senior center, arsenals (MarketWatch) - "Consumers and retirement homes have made brain-fitness games and exercises a commercial hit, but now some insurers and employers are incorporating them into wellness programs that promote health not just for the body but also for the mind." - "Improving brain health can result in less presenteeism, the tendency to be at work but be distracted and not able to focus," he added. "If you look at disability costs, absenteeism and presenteeism account for most of the medical costs, and that's a good reason for employers to be focused on brain health." (according to Dr. Eugene Baker, vice president at OptumHealth's Behavioral Solutions division)" The article reviews innovati... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2447834 Sat, 30 May 2009 20:34:13 +0100 2447834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2273743&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FOXl-qH52q7M%2F If you subscribe to our monthly newsletter, you may remember we ran a survey in January. Well, the response rate and the quality of the responses were nothing short of spectacular, in many dimensions. The responses from over 2,000 participants (out of 21,000 subscribers) reinforce the need for public awareness initiatives and quality information to help evaluate and navigate product claims. I have been presenting the results from one of the questions (see below), yesterday at the ASA/ NCOA (American Society on Aging) event, today at IHRSA (International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association), as part of more comprehensive presentations of what is going on in the brain fitness and cognitive health field. An obvious implication for the survey result reinforces the need for brain-related... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2273743 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 03:04:01 +0100 2273743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2211917&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FmgzGobDdyZs%2F In April 2008, Baycrest, a leading research institute focused on aging and brain function, received $10-million from the Ontario Government to create a groundbreaking Centre for Brain Fitness. Its stated goal was to “develop and commercialize a range of products designed to improve the brain health of aging Ontarians and others around the world”. “Our government is proud to support Baycrest and its invaluable work, which is already leading to the discovery of important new tools and approaches to treating brain diseases associated with aging,” said Minister of Research and Innovation, John Wilkinson. We have Baycrest’s CEO with us today, to explore why Ontario and Baycrest chose to become pioneers in this area, and discuss some of the main opportunities, and challenges. Dr. Will... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2211917 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 22:43:35 +0100 2211917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2173829&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F536195658%2F Welcome to the 8th edition of Hourglass, the blog carnival devoted to biogerontology. Enjoy! --- Use It or Lose It Existence is Wonderful, by Anne C. Neither A Transhumanist Nor a "Pessimist", And That's Okay "I can't survive cognitively in environments that force everything into false dichotomies, and nobody should feel hurt, slighted, or bitter because of my doing what I need to do for the sake of being able to actually use my brain." "Just because I think superlativity tends to distort dialogue and make it difficult to focus on what can actually be done in the real world does not mean I disparage the power of human imagination or our capacity to change things for the better." --- Cognitive Enhancement, Health and Assessments Ouroboros, by Chris Pa... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2173829 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:00:32 +0100 2173829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2141904&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sharpbrains.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F01%2F28%2Ften-reflections-on-cognitive-health-and-assessments%2F Let me summarize ten highlights and reflections from stimulating discussions on cognitive health and assessments I have had this month so far. January 8-9th: Symposium on Co-Adaptive Learning: Adaptive Technology for the Aging (details Here), organized by the Arizona State University's Center for Adaptive Neural Systems: 1. Cognitive health is a critical factor in overall healthcare, but is often approached in a fragmented, non-systematic way. Most speakers in the symposium did mention how cognitive health issues interact with their specific areas of focus (aging, Parkinson's Disease, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's...) but there was a lack of a common framework and taxonomy to define the problem and identify solutions and interventions to measure and help maintain cognitive health acr... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2141904 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 05:39:17 +0100 2141904 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2116515&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F517237108%2F How do you know when something is fast moving towards a Gladwellian tipping point? When health insurance companies and public policy makers launch significant initiatives. For example, the government of Ontario recently announced a $10 million investment with Baycrest Research Centre who will partner with MaRS Venture Group to develop and commercialise brain fitness technologies. The investment was matched by an additional $10 million from private sources. Another important development was the $18 million agreement between the Australian-based Brain Resource Company (ASX:BRC) and OptumHealth in the US. This will allow for the provision of web-based cognitive assessments as part of a clinician’s decision support systems. These are some initiatives covered in a webinar Top Ten Cognitive Fi... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2116515 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 03:32:32 +0100 2116515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2096156&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F508550112%2F My apologies for not having blogged in a few days. I landed back in San Francisco today after speaking and participating in a very stimulating event put together by the Arizona State University's Adaptive Neural Systems Center with funding from the National Science Foundation. The 2-day symposium was titled Co-Adaptive Learning: Adaptive Technology for the Aging (link opens a PDF with the agenda), featured impressive speakers and a highly qualified audience, and covered a wide array of current and future healthcare and aging applications of neuroscience. The one aspect that was very meaningful for me to observe how often we discussed cognitive abilities, cognitive deficits, cognitive assessments, cognitive enhancement tools (both invasive and non-invasive) in a variety of healthy aging and... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2096156 Sun, 11 Jan 2009 03:00:40 +0100 2096156 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2079027&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F495728856%2F This article provides is a very good market overview. The reporter and I also discussed in depth the need for better consumer education and professional development, so people can make informed decisions, and for cognitive assessments to serve as independent baseline, help identify priorities and measure results. Please note that our market estimates do include revenues of computerized cognitive assessments, today mostly used in clinical trials, and wthin the military and sports teams. 2) Navigating the brain fitness landscape: do's and don'ts (McKnight's Long Term Care News) Comment: "Choosing the right cognitive fitness product or program for senior living residents is harder than it sounds. But understanding residents' needs, identifying your objectives and considering the total c... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2079027 Fri, 26 Dec 2008 18:03:07 +0100 2079027 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2034174&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F481793752%2F Crisp CNN article: Boom times for brain training games Including my final quote "[Brain fitness] is not just some fad. The market is much deeper than Nintendo." The "brain fitness center" financed by Ontario is Baycrest. Companies mentioned: Mindfit, Posit Science, Nintendo, Allstate, BrainBuilder, MyBrainTrainer. The reporter and I also discussed in depth the need for better consumer education and professional development, so people can make informed decisions, and for cognitive assessments to serve as independent baseline, help identify priorities and measure results. Please note that our market estimates do include revenues of computerized cognitive assessments, today mostly used in clinical trials, and wthin the military and sports teams. Allstate, Baycrest, Bra... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2034174 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:34:54 +0100 2034174 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1976343&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F459178021%2F We offered some Brain Fitness Predictions in our Market Report , including... "7. Doctors and pharmacists will help patients navigate through the overwhelming range of available products and interpret the results of cognitive assessments. This will require significant professional development efforts, given that most doctors today were trained under a very different understanding of the brain than the one we have today." The American Medical News, a weekly newspaper for physicians published by the American Medical Association, just published an excellent article along those lines: Steps to a nimble mind: Physical and mental exercise help keep the brain fit -- Neuroscience is uncovering techniques to prevent cognitive decline. A few quotes: - It's an example that highlights a wave... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1976343 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:09:40 +0100 1976343 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1974924&cid=t_142118_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F11%2F19%2Fputting-prevention-first-vascular-checks-risk-assessment-and-management-impact-assessment%2F Impact assessment of a universal risk assessment and management programme (from DH)  for vascular diseases which could significantly increase uptake of the preventative interventions, and offers a real opportunity to reduce health inequalities.  Vascular diseases include heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease. A significatn amount of vascular morbidity and mortality could be prevented through primary prevention and early detection of these diseases. Posted in Cardiovascular Diseases, Grey Literature, NHS   Tagged: Cardiovascular Diseases, Grey Literature, Impact Assessments    (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1974924 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:20:55 +0100 1974924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1925050&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F437438124%2F As mentioned before, the World Economic Forum asked me to write "an 800 words summary of your most compelling actionable idea on the challenges of gerontology", in preparation for the Inaugural Summit of the Global Agenda that will take place November 7 to 9th in Dubai.A good number of SharpBrains readers and clients offered their insights - and expressed an interest in reading the draft. So below you have - a proposal to create a Global Consortium for Neurocognitive Fitness Innovation, building on our existing market research and advisory services work. Your thoughts? ----- The Context Growing Demands on Our Brains: Picture 6.7 billion Primitive Brains inhabiting a Knowledge Society where lifelong learning and mastering constant change in complex environments are critical for pr... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1925050 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:21:34 +0100 1925050 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1883906&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F423353702%2F This article summarizes the main market dynamics, open questions, and top trends to watch for. Nourishing Our Brains and Minds Teaching is the Art of Changing the Brain: Laurie Bartels promises, "I have read a number of books that translate current brain research into practice while providing practical suggestions for teachers to implement. This is the first book I have read that provides a biological, and clearly rational, overview of learning and the brain." Go and enjoy her review of a very interesting book by James Zull, Director Emeritus of the University Center for Innovation in Teaching and Education at Case Western Reserve. Philosophy as the Missing Link in School Curricula: Kimberly Wickham answers provides some good answers to the question, "Why would anyone want... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1883906 Fri, 17 Oct 2008 04:29:25 +0100 1883906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1880647&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F420552891%2F Have you ever wondered how we can maintain SharpBrains website, blog and newsletter without selling any product and with only limited advertising? People often ask us that question, especially once we explain that we don't sell products (selling products would present a conflict of interest given our mission to "provide individuals, companies and institutions with high-quality, research-based, information and guidance to navigate the growing cognitive and brain fitness market".) The answer is, we offer proprietary market research and advisory services to organizations such as these. They want to fully understand emerging Brain Fitness and Cognitive Health trends, opportunities and challenges, in order to make better-informed decisions. Examples: - leading healthcare providers eva... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1880647 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:51:38 +0100 1880647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1871342&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F416891408%2F As you have probably seen, the Cognitive Health and Brain Fitness field is rapidly evolving, so let me highlight some of the main recent developments affecting the field: 1) Public policy initiatives: - The Government of Ontario, Canada, announced a $10m investment in Baycrest Research Center to help develop and commercialize brain fitness technologies. This $10m investment was matched with an additional $10m by local investors. - In the US, The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 was signed into law, included in the recently-approved economic bailout bill. The passage of this law has significant implications for healthcare providers and technology vendors alike. 2) Computerized Cognitive Assessments Used by the US Military: The US Army ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1871342 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:36:37 +0100 1871342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1852786&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F410658487%2F This report is interesting and it addresses many very important questions that cognitive neuropsychologists, such as myself have. I feel that many of the products on the market now make claims which are generally unsubstantiated. I find it concerning that many of these programmes have been marketed to target older adults in particular without making any specific statement on whether the activities are beneficial and have been supported with empirical research. i have recently conducted a cognitive intervention study which used a large array of outcome measures which focus on a number of different cognitive functions. The measures investigated both objective and subjective behaviours. The results confirmed that attempting cryptic crosswords for one hour per day increased subjective awarenes... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1852786 Sat, 04 Oct 2008 01:18:28 +0100 1852786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1845424&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F407499879%2F We just received this quote of how a major health system is using our Brain Fitness Market Report: "At Sutter Health Partners we recognize the importance of brain health and how much the health of the brain and the body are interdependent.  The market report helped us further target our coaching efforts to integrate brain fitness and upgrade our entire coaching platform.  It is easy to read and gives you the industry perspective in a thorough yet concise manner.  I highly recommend it!" -- Margaret Sabin, CEO of Sutter Health Partners and VP, New Product Development, at Sutter Health. You may wonder, "what is the link between  wellness coaching and brain fitness"? In practice, good health and wellness coaches provide excellent brain health advice, given that the are... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1845424 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:18:33 +0100 1845424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1826754&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F402296770%2F Brain-fitness plan can improve memory (Sydney Morning Herald), reports on the recent endorsement of Posit Science's programs (Posit Science Program Classic, focused on auditory processing training, and Posit Science Cortex™ with InSight™, on visual processing). Quotes: - "While the group says it has concerns about endorsing a commercial product selling for almost $400, it is confident the benefits to the community will be wide-ranging." - "Likely purchasers of the program include nursing homes, libraries and telecentres and groups supporting and servicing dementia sufferers." - "This is core business for us ... one of our clear strategic objectives is to assist the community to reduce the risk of developing dementia," Alzheimer's Australia strategic direct... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1826754 Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:47:49 +0100 1826754 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1689398&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F357706834%2F The August issue of Venture Capital Journal brings a very good piece on the emerging brain fitness software  (also called "neurosoftware") category:  -- Mind Games (subscription required) -- Dakim, Lumos Labs, Posit Science and other “brain fitness” startups are starting to gain mind share — and capital — from venture firms. The reporter and I spoke as Lumos Labs received its $3m round, and we discussed other fundable start-ups, featuring CogniFit. Which, as mentioned over the weekend, just raised $5m. If case you are a new SharpBrains reader, perhaps visiting us after reading this VCJ article, let me provide a quick overview of the category and our Market Report (which is annual, not quarterly as the article states): A) Report Highlights We estimate the size of the U... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1689398 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:54:55 +0100 1689398 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1652923&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F345368972%2F Busy as we have been, we only recently compiled the list of organizations who have purchased our Brain Fitness Market Report so far. We were impressed by the quality and variety represented, and the cross-sector demand for quality information in the emerging brain fitness/ cognitive health category. Seeing the list helps us prioritize efforts and coverage of market and research news and trends. Below you have a selection of main categories, and a few selected clients: · Research centers and universities: Harvard Medical School, US Army Research Lab, Oregon Center for Applied Science, University of Texas at Austin, University of Michigan. · Older adults organizations and communities: American Association of Retired People (AARP), Sunrise Senior Living, Belmont Village Senior Living. ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1652923 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:12:55 +0100 1652923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1643031&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F341474581%2F Welcome to Encephalon´s 50th edition, where you will find another superb collection of blog posts on all things Brain and Mind. Enjoy these contributions: Science & Technology Mind Hacks reports that Facebook ate my psychiatrist. We can learn about the benefits of social networking sites like Facebook, bringing great perspective to recent and misguided media speculation (fuelled by a recent talk at the Royal College of Psychiatrists). Vaughan, will you please report on the benefits of participating (and, better, hosting) Encephalon?. Dungeons And Dragons - Or Mazes And Monsters?: PodBlack Cat offers a thought-provoking review of the therapy (including self-therapy) applications of role-playing games such as the classic Dungeons And Dragons and the more recent massively multiplay... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1643031 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:05:26 +0100 1643031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1631979&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F336912992%2F Here you are have the twice-a-month newsletter with our most popular blog posts. Please remember that you can subscribe to receive this Newsletter by email, simply by submitting your email at the top of this page. News and Analysis Computerized Cognitive Assessments: opportunities and concerns: health companies and the military are starting to use new tools to assess brain functions in contexts that neither neuroimaging nor traditional neuropsychological testing can reach. This is a critical piece of the brain fitness puzzle that is worth keeping track of, full of opportunities, but also privacy concerns. Cognitive Health News Roundup: recent news covering studies on mental training and DNA, on nutrition and the brain, and more. Science Improve Memory with Sleep, Practice, and Testing: ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1631979 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:48:02 +0100 1631979 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1544539&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F319104093%2F A few colleagues referred me over the weekend to a very nice article at business publication Portfolio. While the article does an excellent job at introducing the reader to the concept and promise of computerized cognitive assessments, it also contributes to the mythology of "Brain Age". Let's first take a look at the article How Smart Are You: The business of assessing cognition and memory is moving from testing brain-impaired patients to assessing healthy peoples' brains online. A couple of quotes:  - "Cognitive Drug Research is one a handful of businesses, most of them outside of the U.S., that work with pharmaceutical companies to test how new drugs for everything from nicotine addiction to Alzheimer’s disease affect the mind’s ability to remember things, make deci... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1544539 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:15:14 +0100 1544539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1509844&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F309354311%2F Our fellow blogger Jeremy over at PsyBlog has written a thoughtful post comparing the value of a number of cognitive enhancing tools. His overall verdict? "The evidence for exercise boosting cognitive function is head-and-shoulders above that for brain training, drugs, nutritional supplements and meditation. Scientifically, on the current evidence, exercise is the best way to enhance your cognitive function. And as for its side-effects: yes there is the chance of an injury but exercise can also reduce weight, lower the chance of dementia, improve mood and lead to a longer life-span. Damn those side-effects!" Article: Which Cognitive Enhancers Really Work: Brain Training, Drugs, Vitamins, Meditation or Exercise? Jeremy, I started writing this as a comment to your post in your bl... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1509844 Wed, 11 Jun 2008 06:42:31 +0100 1509844 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1429289&cid=t_142118_109_f&fid=35677&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBrainBasedBusiness%2F%7E3%2F286211908%2Fgiving_intelligence_fair_feedb.html   You’ll likely measure our workplace offerings fairly… only if you:1. Look more at evidence of our work … than approaches used to get there.2. Allow for the fact that our brains wire and operate differently from yours.3. Consider multiple intelligences tossed into the mix of our offerings.4. Ask questions that invite genuine solutions or parts of an answer.5. Create more pathways toward creations than trails toward criticisms.6. Expect inventions that could change and improve your workplace world.7. Demonstrate and model the benefits of  tone to the finish line.8. Welcome targets with wings that advance our workplace.9. Capitalize on brainpower based on new research about intelligence.10. Lay out expectations clearly  – with more brain ch... BrainBasedBusiness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1429289 Thu, 08 May 2008 17:57:57 +0100 1429289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1427209&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F285139564%2F Today I had a great conversation with Martin Buschkuehl, one of the U Michigan researchers involved in the cognitive training study that has received much media attention since early last week, when the study was published at the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. I will publish the interview notes next week. For the moment, let me paraphrase his answer to the question: "Why are computerized programs like the one you used fundamentally different from, say, simply doing many crossword puzzles?". His answer was that for 3 reasons: Adaptive: The constant adaptability of the challenge level, thanks to real-time assessments. The person using the program is truly pushed to his or her peak level all the time, thereby "stretching" the targeted ability. Complex... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1427209 Wed, 07 May 2008 05:15:02 +0100 1427209 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1384139&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F273186601%2F Interesting recent news: 1) A Paradigm Shift in Genetics (Philadelphia Inquirer) 2)  Conference on Brain Development and Learning: Making Sense of the Science (thanks Pete) 3) 1 in 5 veterans found with mental disorder (Boston Globe) 4) Common Medications May Harm Memory in Older People (U.S. News & World Report) 5) Men More Likely to Develop Cognitive Problems (Forbes) For more on these news, and commentary:     1) A Paradigm Shift in Genetics (Philadelphia Inquirer) - "Our understanding of genetics is currently undergoing a paradigm shift," says Melanie Ehrlich, a molecular biologist at the Tulane Cancer Center. "It is now commonly acknowledged among scientists that it is not enough to look to DNA as the sole determinant of heredity." Ehrlich is re... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1384139 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:43:14 +0100 1384139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1375295&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F271198476%2F Here you are have the bi-monthly Digest of our most Popular blog posts. (Also, remember that you can subscribe to receive our blog RSS feed, or to our newsletter at the top of this page if you want to receive this digest by email). Brain Fitness News and Events Upcoming Events: I will be speaking at five Health, Education and Gaming events over the next couple of months to introduce findings from our recent market report. Please introduce yourself if you attend any of these events. Preventing Memory Loss-Special Issue: Congressional Quarterly Researcher, one of the main publications on Capitol Hill, published an impressive 24-page special issue titled Preventing Memory Loss. Highly recommended if you want to be on top of the latest research trends and their policy implications. Cogni... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1375295 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 05:38:11 +0100 1375295 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1235031&cid=t_142118_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F235601555%2F A spate of recent news coverage on brain fitness and "brain training" reflects a growing interest in natural, non-drug-based interventions to keep our brains sharp as we age. This interest is very timely, given the aging population, increasing Alzheimer's rates, and soaring health care costs that place more emphasis than ever on prevention and changing lifestyle. This past Tuesday, the MIT Club of Northern California, the American Society on Aging, and SmartSilvers sponsored an event on The Emerging Brain Fitness Software Market: Building Better Brains to explore the realities and myths of this growing field. The panel was moderated by Zack Lynch, Executive Director of the Neurotechnology Industry Organization, and composed of a venture capitalist and 3 CEOs of program developers... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1235031 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 21:10:57 +0100 1235031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1177887&cid=t_142118_109_f&fid=35677&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBrainBasedBusiness%2F%7E3%2F222952144%2Fintelligent_personable_or_lear.html  You can be intelligent ... personable ... and learning ... but multiple intelligences, personality types, and learning styles … are not the same. Personality types are just that ... and are not multiple intelligences. Neither are learning styles the same as multiple intelligences,  but instead indicate people’s preferences about how they like to learn. Nor should these terms be used interchangeably – as is often done in error. Why does it matter? People who confuse these terms cannot use more intelligences or identify growth in their intelligence mix. Instead their progress slows down in the fog. There are many tests such as Myers-Briggs that help to determine personality type – and tests to identify your personal preferences or learning s... BrainBasedBusiness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1177887 Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:29:00 +0100 1177887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=682805&cid=t_142118_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F06%2F18%2Fheart-surgery-outcomes-on-the-table%2F Filed under: Women Heart Health, Men Heart Health, SurgeryIn a handful of states it's now possible to access death rates and quality assessments of heart surgeons and hospitals where heart surgery is performed. Pennsylvania is one such area, and The Philadelphia Inquirer recently took a look at how this is impacting the surgeons themselves. So, what's the view like from the other end of the stethoscope? Will the possibility of public scrutiny encourage talented surgeons to base their careers elsewhere? The Inquirer profiles one surgeon who has just moved back to Pennsylvania from Virginia, and who did so knowing that his patient outcomes records would be on the table for all to see. His conclusion? He definitely took this openness into consideration in deciding whether or not to relocate. ... The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=682805 Mon, 18 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 682805