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 'cognitive decline'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:21:31 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107919&cid=t_135701_158_f&fid=38949&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FAgingWithGraceCareconnection%2F%7E3%2FZtiK3ptQ3jA%2Fmore-evidence-that-vascular-disease.html Those who smoke, are overweight, or have high blood pressure are more likely to have cognitive challenges later in life, a new study suggests. Researchers from the University of California at Davis studied MRI scans of approximately 1,352 people for the purpose of identifying vascular risk factors.The subjects were part of the Framingham Offspring Cohort Study and had multiple scans over the past decade. Among the results: researchers found that people with diabetes in mid-life lost brain volume faster in the hippocampus. Participants who smoked in mid-life lost their overall brain volume faster than non-smokers. Obese participants and those with hypertension were more likely to do badly on tests involving executive functioning or planning. The good news is that the damage can be lim... Aging with Grace CareConnection blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107919 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 13:07:00 +0100 5107919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008695&cid=t_135701_158_f&fid=38949&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FAgingWithGraceCareconnection%2F%7E3%2FzenwcpYUxkw%2Fmidlife-weight-gain-linked-to-dementia.html Being overweight during middle age may increase your risk of developing dementia later on, a new Swedish study suggests. Several studies have already linked obesity in middle age to dementia in later life, but it was unclear whether merely carrying some extra pounds in midlife was a risk factor. The new research suggests that even being overweight -- defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 30 -- is linked with a higher risk of dementia. "Being overweight at midlife increased the risk of dementia in late life by more than 70 percent," said lead study author Dr. Weili Xu, a postdoctoral researcher at Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. Being obese raised the risk even more, to nearly fourfold. "Although the effect of midlife overweight on dementia is not as substantial as that ... Aging with Grace CareConnection blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008695 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:08:00 +0100 5008695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4532379&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FsdlqkXmDu3M%2F This study supports that patients with vit­a­min D defi­ciency show an increased risk of cog­ni­tive decline. Baby Sleeps and Brain Development: How much sleep a 12 month old baby gets can influ­ence the devel­op­ment of his/her exec­u­tive func­tions. PTSD: Can we Disrupt the Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories? A discussion of the dif­fer­ent tech­niques used/ under research that can help PTSD patients. ; Books and Summit Updates Visual Illusions in Art and Science: These surprising classic illusions illustrate how art and magic can help science in undertansing how we perceive the world around us. 2011 SharpBrains Summit Agenda: You can now view the latest Agenda for the whole Summit and a 3-minute clip to learn how the SharpBrains Virtual Sum­mit: Retooling Brai... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4532379 Mon, 28 Feb 2011 22:07:18 +0100 4532379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4424323&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FplYxkWhlBTE%2F This study followed 858 adults 65 years and older over 6-years. Results showed an increased risk of cognitive decline in patients with vitamin D deficiency. Comments: An association between two things (here vitamin D levels and cognitive decline) does not necessarily means that one causes the other. Potential confounding factors may explain the association. For instance vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with cardiovascular disease, which is known to be a risk factor for dementia. However this recent study addressed such confounding factors and found that the relation between vitamin D deficiency and cognitive decline was maintained. One question left to answer is whether vitamin D deficiency is part of the early manifestations of cognitive decline or whether it is risk factor t... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4424323 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:12:54 +0100 4424323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4419284&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FlPZS9ZfA6Hc%2F Discussion focused on Brain Fitness, to take place on Monday March 14th in honor of Brain Awareness Week 2011 (March 14-20th). Let’s discuss burning issues together: Why care about neuroplasticity and the possibilities it offers to enrich our quality of life? What does cognitive reserve research mean to the way we learn, work, play, live? What is Brain Training — and what is not? All the conversation be virtual, via social media tools. You can learn more here. This edition of SharpBrains monthly eNewslet­ter brings many articles on those topics. Enjoy! Research Bites The value of neuroimaging: Researcher Joaquin Anguera from UCSF shares with us what a par­tic­i­pant goes through when vol­un­teering for a neu­ro­science exper­i­ment these days. How to boost self-control: Dav... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4419284 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 20:47:10 +0100 4419284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399677&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fk7HhdSXLx0w%2F This article from the Washington Post explains how neuroplasticity will help Rep. Gabrielle Giffords recover from her brain injury: brain reorganization after injury is far more common and extensive than previously thought … neuroplasticity depends to a great degree on experience — which is to say, what the brain is forced to do in the critical weeks and months after it is injured. When an area with a specific function is destroyed, the brain first attempts to recruit nearby cells, which are often doing similar tasks, to change and perform the function of the destroyed cells. . 2. In this study, Dr. Yaffe and her colleagues measured risks of Alzheimer’s by measuring beta amyloid (the protein fragment that makes up Alzheimer’s plaque) levels in the blood. They found that the less ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399677 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:07:27 +0100 4399677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214314&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FDez2pHrB7PU%2F Everyone these days is talking about education and testing reform, but why is relevant brain research often ignored? Which organ if not the brain does the learning and teaching part? Renowned educator and brain expert Dr. Robert Sylwester shares his recommended Top Brain Books for Educators and Learners to help inform the conversation. A must read! Save the Date: the 2011 SharpBrains Summit, the second edition of our annual industry and research conference, will take place virtually from March 28th to March 31st 2010. Details will follow soon. Without further ado…please enjoy the November edition of our monthly eNewsletter: Research Bites Football and brain damage: In high-contact sports such as football, even hits not lead­ing to con­cus­sions can affect the brain. How to take o... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214314 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:33:36 +0100 4214314 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4200564&cid=t_135701_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fimproving-health-for-older-adults%2F2010.11.24 New clinical trials and published research are giving us information on how to improve health in elderly patients. Here are some brief points from the Cleveland Journal of Medicine that were surprising to me: – Each year 30 percent of people age 65 or older fall and sustain serious injuries so preventing falls and fractures is important. Vitamin D prevents both falls and fractures, but mega doses of Vitamin D (50,000 mg) might cause more falls. A better dose is 1,000mg a day in people who consume a low-calcium diet.  – Exercise boosts the effect of influenza vaccine. – The benefits of dialysis in older patients is uncertain, as it does not improve  function in people over age 80. We don’t even know if it improves survival. Older patients who receive dialysis... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4200564 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 21:00:00 +0100 4200564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152013&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FxT8_KCqYxVw%2F An interesting and very well-documented article in the Los Angeles Times reviews studies looking at Vitamin B and its role in improving memory. The vitamins — including folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 — are often touted as a way to improve memory and stave off cognitive decline. The claims are based on the finding that levels of the vitamin are low in people with various forms of cognitive impairment, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. But experts say it’s still unclear whether taking high doses of the vitamins will keep such conditions at bay. […] Haan says the existing body of studies may be inconclusive because the causes of cognitive decline — which are incompletely understood — are probably too complex to be halted with a single vitamin supplement. Comments: ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152013 Tue, 09 Nov 2010 17:04:05 +0100 4152013 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139349&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FxLZj9ZGW-Rg%2F Discussions >Industry Activity from October 2010 (Posit Science, Dakim, Zeo, NovaVision, Lumosity) >Pearson starts to promote Cogmed working memory training (press release) Research & Policy Discussions >New report on workplace mental/physical health >Non-invasive electrical stimulation of the brain can improve numerical abilities >JAMA trial finds no evidence of DHA Supplementation impacting on cognitive decline in Mild to Moderate Comment of the week Philip Toman on the potential of computer-administered CBT and heart-rate variability (HRV) biofeedback Idea of the week We now have a very fun Ideas feature that allows Council Members to submit and to vote on ideas and suggestions on anything that crosses your mind. Please visit the new Ideas section and challenge you... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139349 Sat, 06 Nov 2010 04:28:40 +0100 4139349 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4133996&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FkpHZTmkOT-E%2F This study suggests that taking DHA supplements after Alzheimer’s diagnosis is not helpful. Prior evidence shows that omega-3 consumption (especially DHA) long before the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms reduces the risk of developing the disease. Indeed, several studies have shown that eating fish (the primary source in our diet of omega-3 fatty acids) is associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline or dementia. The authors of the JAMA study also speculate that DHA supplements could be used as a treatment for people who have not yet been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s but are already developing dementia pathology in their brain: “Individuals intermediate between healthy aging and dementia, such as those with mild cognitive impairment, might derive benefit from DHA supplementation,... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4133996 Tue, 02 Nov 2010 19:00:19 +0100 4133996 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3994119&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F0MLsIF1ukR0%2F Today is World Alzheimer’s Day. To raise awareness and funds, associations worldwide organize multiple activities including important Memory Walks, and a new report helps quantify the growing personal and economic burden of the disease. Among the report findings: Close to 36 million people worldwide have dementia today Dementia care costs around 1 percent of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP), or 604 billion US dollars. Of these, 252 billion represent indirect costs of care, while annual direct medical costs account for 96 billion, and direct non-medical costs for 256 billion By 2030, worldwide societal costs will increase by over 85 percent The good news? That the number 1 reason for the bad news is simple: we live longer than ever before That, while there is nothing we can... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3994119 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 17:59:59 +0100 3994119 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3965548&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FvODGErZEFTs%2F (Editor’s Note: you may have read all the confusing –if not outright misleading– recent media coverage on the effect of mental stimulation on cognitive health and Alzheimer’s Disease. To help clarify matters, please find below part of the ongoing discussion at SharpBrains’ group in LinkedIn, and keep tuned since in a few days we’ll be publishing an analysis of the scientific study that, while bringing largely Good News, has been largely reported as Terrible News.) — Stuart • I just came across this article in Medical News…Mental Stimulation Delays The Decline In Thinking Skills, But May Accelerate Dementia Later On.… It’s the first time I have seen an article talking about the potential down side of mental stimulation in later life…I would be interested in the vie... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3965548 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:40:44 +0100 3965548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3920957&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F80LA7jt6c3E%2F What is working memory, and why it matters? Can we multi-task as good as we seem to assume? What should we all know about how our brains work, and why? We hope you enjoy this August eNewsletter, featuring six distinguished contributors who answer those questions, and more. Please remember that you can subscribe to receive this free Brain Fitness eNewsletter by email, using the box in the right column. Know Thyself Why working memory matters in the knowledge age: As Dr. Tracy Alloway points out, one way to visualize working memory is as the brain’s “Post-it Notes” — we make mental scribbles of bits of information we need to remember and work with. Without enough working memory we cannot function as a society or as individuals. Learn more by participating in this study launched by D... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3920957 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:23:05 +0100 3920957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3865264&cid=t_135701_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffeeding-tubes-in-the-elderly-demented%2F2010.08.13 An article in [last] week’s New York Times entitled Feeding Demented Patients with Dignity suggests that hand feeding dementia patients may be a better option than tube feeding them. My God, are we really putting feeding tubes in the elderly demented? When did this happen? During college, I worked as a nurses aide in a nursing home outside Philadelphia. For 20 hours a week (40 hours in the summer) for two years, I cared for patients in all stages of dementia, from the walking confused through to the end stage, stiffened victims confined to wheelchairs or beds. But in all that time, I never, ever saw anyone with a feeding tube. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at The Blog that Ate Manhattan* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3865264 Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:00:00 +0100 3865264 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3845187&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FuaJVh6D6qUc%2F I was really interested in the recent critique of the BBC brain training experiment by Dr. Elizabeth Zelinski. I think Owens et al (2010) was a critical piece of research which was not conducted in the right way and was focusing on the wrong sample population.  I totally agree with the comments by Dr. Zelinski regarding the potential for sample bias and the use of some questionable cognitive measures. However, I would like to take this critique further and question whether the study was value for money when there are other studies which cannot achieve funding but would, in my opinion, show the criticism/scepticism of the use-it-or-lose-it theory. I think there is not enough criticism about the age of the sample population used in Owens et al. (2010). We have conclusive cognitive and neuro... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3845187 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 12:14:16 +0100 3845187 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3798673&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FU3wLN6Oicdw%2F Here you have the July edition of our monthly eNewslet ter covering cognitive health and brain fitness topics. Please remem ber that you can subscribe to receive this free Brain Fitness eNewsletter by email, using the box in the right column. Technology to upgrade brain care: In this extensive interview, Dr. John Docherty helps connect the dots on why new frameworks and tools are a must to put recent brain research to good use. A must read for all professionals in the field. Research Findings from NIH Expert Panel: The American Society on Aging asked Alvaro Fernandez to comment on the findings from a major cognitive health research review by the National Institutes of Health. Lifestyle still matters, and protective factors against cognitive decline are led by cognitive training, physical... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3798673 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:11:35 +0100 3798673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3772237&cid=t_135701_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdr-val-tells-abc-news-how-to-stave-off-memory-loss%2F2010.07.20 Did you know that physical activity can reduce your risk for memory loss and dementia? I had the chance to speak to ABC’s Let’s Talk Live team about important lifestyle choices that can keep the mind healthy and active. The good news is that you really can teach an old dog new tricks, and those new tricks can stimulate growth of new brain cells. Watch the video and check out the Alzheimer’s Association website for more information about dementia prevention: (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3772237 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:00:50 +0100 3772237 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3757864&cid=t_135701_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-research-on-alzheimers-disease%2F2010.07.15 Data presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease in Honolulu this week indicated that exercise and adequate vitamin D levels could help reduce risk for the disorder. Framingham Heart Study researchers found that risk for dementia was halved in “moderate to heavy exercisers” compared with more sedentary people, while researchers on a separate study found that vitamin D deficiency can greatly increase risk for mental impairment. Another study found that injecting the compound florbetapir into the brain of patients with dementia and then performing a PET scan could help pinpoint the size and location of plaques. Researchers also reported that tea consumption was linked to a slower rate of cognitive decline in older adults without cognitive impairment, bu... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3757864 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:00:00 +0100 3757864 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3753779&cid=t_135701_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F188597%2F Obesity is a Risk Factor for Cognitive Decline: In post-menopausal women, for each point increase on the BMI scale, scores on a mental test decreased by a point. (via Reuters) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3753779 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:58:49 +0100 3753779 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3671878&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F5h72fX5jzTU%2F In late April 2010, an independent expert panel organized by the NIH released a thoughtful report on the state of the science for prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease and cognitive decline*. The report summarizes the panel’s review of the scientific literature by saying: “Firm conclusions cannot be drawn about the association of modifiable risk factors with cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease.” Which was basically reported as “nothing can prevent Alzheimer’s Disease.” Which is very true. And also very different from what most readers may assume it means. Note: You can keep reading the article What the recent NIH Expert Panel on Alzheimer’s Prevention Means – and Doesn’t Mean in the website of the American Society of Aging (article link opens PDF). ASA recently asked... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3671878 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:05:39 +0100 3671878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3566707&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F7PTRT-MRgFE%2F (Editor’s note: SharpBrains Summit attendee Steve Zanon wrote a very insightful comment to our previous post regarding the NIH independent panel on Alzheimer’s/ cognitive decline prevention. We republish comment here for easier access.) In the introductions on day one of the NIH conference Jenifer Croswell from OMAR outlined three different frames of reference and decision making in this context. She mentioned (1) the individual and family based on personal values, (2) community doctors affecting their patients, and (3) recommendations for an entire population of people which should only contain strong evidentiary based information. She indicated that this conference would produce a statement based on the third context and in that respect the panel has done a great job in highl... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3566707 Fri, 14 May 2010 23:16:42 +0100 3566707 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549270&cid=t_135701_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F04%2Fjournal-of-the-american-medical-association-2010-vol-303-no-16%2F This article looks at the difficulty of determining driving fitness in the United States in the absence of a consensus on the assessment of older drivers with cognitive impairment, and no gold standard for determining driving fitness. This article describes the challenges of driving with cognitive impairment for both the patient and caregiver, summarizes the literature on dementia and driving, discusses evidence-based assessment of fitness to drive, and addresses important ethical and legal issues. An NHS Athens Password is required to access this article online, alternatively comtact the library for a copy of this article. Filed under: Current Awareness, E-Journals, Journals Tagged: Cognitive Decline, Dementia, Driving, Older People, United States (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549270 Tue, 04 May 2010 20:55:40 +0100 3549270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3182221&cid=t_135701_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F01%2F18%2F13-myths-of-schizophrenia%2F Schizophrenia is one of those mental disorders that many people seem to confuse with something else, such as multiple personality disorder. It’s a very simple yet very terrifying condition, characterized by usually having a combination of hallucinations and delusions. Hallucinations can involve any of your five senses, but in schizophrenia, usually involves seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there (like hearing other people’s voices inside your head telling you to do something you don’t want to). Delusions are a false belief in something, such as the CIA is out to get you. Many of us hear voices in our heads, but usually it’s our own voice acting as our conscious (”You really shouldn’t eat that second piece of cake!”). That’s n... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3182221 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:31:17 +0100 3182221 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3133564&cid=t_135701_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F30%2Fjournal-of-the-american-medical-association-2009-vol-302-no-24%2F In conclusion, compared with placebo, the use of G biloba,120 mg twice daily, did not result in less cognitive decline in older adults with normal cognition or with mild cognitive impairment. An NHS Athens password is required to access this article online or contact the library for a copy of this article. Posted in Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Cognitive Decline, Ginkgo Biloba, Older People (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3133564 Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:40:27 +0100 3133564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2447834&cid=t_135701_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=2398980&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FAyoXV9F9bj4%2F Stanford Issues Findings from Cognitive and Brain Experts Urging Consumer Caution on Memory Fitness Products (press release) - "Fear of memory loss, mental impairment and Alzheimer's disease lead many consumers to search for products --- from supplements to software --- that claim to ward off such ailments," Laura L. Carstensen, founding director of the Stanford Center on Longevity, said. "Such products are becoming more prolific, but this burgeoning industry is completely unregulated and the claims can range from reasonable though untested, to blatantly false. It is important for consumers to proceed with caution before buying into many of these product claims. There is no magic bullet solution for cognitive decline." - The Summit's (Note: held in April 2008) statement... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2398980 Fri, 08 May 2009 23:38:05 +0100 2398980 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2380959&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FzzLOqwG8cs4%2F Round-up of April articles and news on neuroscience, brain development and cognitive health: Games for Health Conferences to host new Cognitive Health Track: For the first time, a new Cognitive Health track -Powered by SharpBrains- will cover eleven brain fitness and cognitive health topics during the 5th Annual Games for Health Conference. The current price is $379, with a 15% discount if you use code "sharp09" (without quotation) when you register Here. Details: June 11-12th at the Hyatt Harborside Hotel in Boston, MA. Bilingual Babies Get Head Start --- Before They Can Talk: - "Unlike the monolingual group, the bilingual group was able to successfully learn a new sound type and use it to predict where each character would pop up...The bilingual babies' skill applies to mo... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2380959 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 03:59:32 +0100 2380959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349069&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F24WEO4FpkcE%2F Round-up of recent articles on neuroscience, brain development and cognitive health: Encephalon 68: A carnival of neuroscience: Chris hosts a great collection of neuroscience and psychology posts in his signature Q&A style. Bilingual Babies Get Head Start --- Before They Can Talk: - Unlike the monolingual group, the bilingual group was able to successfully learn a new sound type and use it to predict where each character would pop up. - The bilingual babies' skill applies to more than just switching between languages. Mehler likened this apparently enhanced cognitive ability to a brain selecting "the right tool for the right operation"—also called executive function. - In this basic process, the brain, ever flexible, nimbly switches from one learned response to another as ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349069 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 03:20:11 +0100 2349069 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349602&cid=t_135701_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2Fwg8-iGfpaNw%2Fdiabetes-linked-to-cognitive-decline.html This is another broad study that links, diabetes, cognitive decline and Alzheimer's. The study included 1,066 people with type 2 diabetes aged between 60 and 75.A team at the University of Edinburgh found, "Either hypos lead to cognitive decline, or cognitive decline makes it more difficult for people to manage their diabetes, which in turn causes more hypos."A third explanation could be that a third unidentified factor is causing both the hypos and the cognitive decline.HypoglycaemiaHypoglycaemia is caused by a lack of sugar (glucose) reaching the brain, which uses it as fuel.Symptoms can include sweating, fatigue, hunger, feeling dizzy, feeling weak, a higher heart rate than usual and blurred vision.More severe episodes can led to temporary loss of consciousness, convulsions and coma.Dia... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349602 Sun, 12 Apr 2009 17:20:10 +0100 2349602 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2293096&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FsPTvxOgEPpA%2F Physical Fitness Improves Spatial Memory, Increases Size Of Brain Structure (Science Daily) - "Now researchers have found that elderly adults who are more physically fit tend to have bigger hippocampi and better spatial memory than those who are less fit." - "Certain activities are believed to modify hippocampus size in humans. For example, a study of London taxi drivers found that the posterior portion of the hippocampus was larger in experienced taxi drivers than in other subjects. And a study of German medical students found that the same region of the hippocampus increased in size as they studied for their final exams." - "Studies also have found that the hippocampus shrinks with age, a process that coincides with small but significant cognitive declines. The ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2293096 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:07:04 +0100 2293096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2079025&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F497225044%2F In this study, we examined whether playing strategy-based video game can train those executive functions and improve them. We showed that playing a strategy-based videogame (Rise of Nations Gold Edition) can result in not only becoming a better videogame player but it transferred to untrained executive functions. We saw a significant improvement in task switching, working memory, visual short-term memory, and mental rotation. And some, but more limited, benefits in inhibition and reasoning. I can share a few details on the study: the average age was 69 years, and the experiment required around 23 hours of training time. We only included individuals who had played videogames 0 hours/ week for the last 2 years. That last criteria is interesting. We typically say that good “brain exercise�... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2079025 Sun, 28 Dec 2008 19:54:11 +0100 2079025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1976343&cid=t_135701_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=1925050&cid=t_135701_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=1880646&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F421176296%2F This article was co-written by Drs. Simon Evans and Paul Burghardt. Drs. Evans and who currently collaborate in the University of  Michigan’s Department of Psychiatry, and the Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute to study the effects of nutrition and exercise on brain function. They are co-authors of BrainFit For Life: A User's Guide to Life-Long Brain Health and Fitness. Antioxidants, brain fitness industry, brain fitness programs, Brain health, Brain Training, BrainFit, cognitive capacities, cognitive decline, cognitive health, emotional capacities, emotional regulation, exercise, hippocampus, improve brain function, improve cognitive function, improve memory, life, meditative focus, mental activity, Neurogenesis, neuroscience, Nutrition, optimal sleep, oxygen, physical he... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1880646 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 03:37:09 +0100 1880646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1661199&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F348791756%2F A few colleagues and I just had an interesting exchange on the recent article at The Atlantic, Is Google Making Us Stupid?, which basically blamed Google for literally rewiring our brains into more stupid brains (not being able to pay attention, read deep books...) based on a number of personal anecdotes and a little research.  My 2 cents: this is a complex topic and we'd first need to clarify the question, before looking for answers to support or refute it. I found the Atlantic article superficial for a meaningful conversation, with its title and main premise making little sense: Google can not makes us stupid, in the same way that guns don't make us violent or pens don't make us good writers. The author of the article complains about having less of a number of cognitive abilities than... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1661199 Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:37:32 +0100 1661199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1198833&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F228755260%2F A roundup of several excellent articles this week: Keeping Your Brain Fit (US News and World Report) - "In a study of more than 2,800 people ages 65 or older, Harvard researchers found that those with at least five social ties—church groups, social groups, regular visits, or phone calls with family and friends—were less likely to suffer cognitive decline than those with no social ties." - "The working hypothesis is that it has something to do with stress management," says Marilyn Albert, a neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins and codirector of the Alzheimer's research center there. In animal studies, a prolonged elevation in stress hormones damages the hippocampus. Social engagement appears to boost people's sense of control, which affects their stress level. Creative ar... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1198833 Mon, 04 Feb 2008 07:35:05 +0100 1198833 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1075384&cid=t_135701_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F196312481%2F Very interesting collection of recent news...let's connect some dots 1) Great article titled Boom time for retirees writeDate( 1196878752000, 'Grey', '18:12', 9999999999999); (Financial Times) - "By 2015, boomers will have a net worth of some $26,000bn (£12,750bn, €17,670bn) – equivalent to a year’s gross domestic product for the US and eurozone combined. They will control a larger proportion of wealth, income and consumption than any other generation in the country – the first time that consumers over 50 have held such sway over the world’s largest economy." - "But as the boomers aged – by 2015 they will all be outside the fabled under-49 cohort – corporate America failed to grow old with them. Marketing experts argue that the continued focus of large compan... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1075384 Thu, 06 Dec 2007 22:26:32 +0100 1075384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=765743&cid=t_135701_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F07%2F30%2Ftaking-care-of-the-heart-helps-the-brain%2F Filed under: Prevention, Research, Aging Heart HealthThough experts don't yet know how to prevent Alzheimer's, another common form of dementia in late adulthood -- called vascular dementia -- may be avoidable by taking care of the heart. A study that followed nearly 500 elderly patients for four years found that those who had cardiovascular conditions, such as stroke or peripheral artery disease, were much more likely to have a reduction in cognitive ability than those who did not. Researchers believe that the reduced blood flow that is a consequence of narrowed arteries also affects the brain, leading to mental decline. In reverse, good artery health means greater blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which may protect cognitive abilities. The findings are interesting; read more about them ... The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=765743 Mon, 30 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 765743