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 'decline,'. Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:02:09 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3772237&cid=t_358679_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_358679_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=3753988&cid=t_358679_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FUm8RGNPDMRo%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: Autism Vox) Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3753988 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:58:49 +0100 3753988 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3753779&cid=t_358679_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_358679_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_358679_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_358679_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=3246926&cid=t_358679_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F02%2F06%2Ffacebook-continues-to-dominate-among-youth%2F Last week, we discovered that 4 out of 5 teens prefer and use Facebook over the leading sugarless gum. Oh, sorry, I meant to say that while 7 out of 10 (73% to be exact) teens use social networking websites like Facebook, only 1 in 12 teens use Twitter. Clearly, the still-in-place-to-be is on Facebook and other social networking websites like it. The new data comes from our friends over at the Pew Internet and American Life Project, who conducted a phone survey in the middle of last year of 800 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17. And while teens continue to embrace social networking, they seem to be abandoning their use of blogs. Blogging amongst teens has been slashed in half in just 3 years, according to the Pew data (from a high of 28% in 2006 to a current 14% of teens surveyed... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3246926 Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:17:43 +0100 3246926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3182221&cid=t_358679_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=3167092&cid=t_358679_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FgeFiJfl40nQ%2F By Doug BandowRemember when President George W. Bush was pushing war for democracy.  Excited neoconservatives promised that a new wave of democratization was about to roll through the Middle East, sweeping out authoritarian and anti-American regimes. Oops. Reports the Washington Times: The most significant finding of the latest report is the decline in freedom in the Middle East, [Arch Puddington] said. Three countries — Jordan, Yemen and Bahrain — were reclassified from “partly free” to “not free,” and freedoms declined in Morocco and Iran. “Freedom House saw the region as a whole as headed slightly in the right direction after 9/11,” he said. “But that has changed.” Not only are countries moving backwards, but America’s friends a... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3167092 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:45:05 +0100 3167092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3133564&cid=t_358679_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=2809732&cid=t_358679_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FXPSo1jbbXJY%2F When a loved one is sick, it can take a toll. A new study confirms that when one spouse gets cancer, the other also suffers emotionally and physically. In fact, the health of the care giving spouse can also show noticeable decline in the months and years after a diagnosis. While previous studies have noted that spouses can become depressed after a diagnosis, this study focuses on physical illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, and even muscle pain. It makes sense that when one spouse has cancer, it becomes a burden the entire family shares. Spouse care for each other financially, physically, and emotionally, and when one of them is sick it takes a toll. Image: sxc.hu. Post from: Blisstree Spouses Suffer from Cancer Diagnosis (Source: A H... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2809732 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:44:17 +0100 2809732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737985&cid=t_358679_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2F_bMHLXUKUlQ%2F … and sleeping too little, I think. I am just realizing how daunting the list is. Infinite Jest (which you might have guessed already) The Shadow of the Wind The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society The Children’s Book (by A. S. Byatt, not in print over here yet until September) On the back burner: War and Peace The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance So, I can’t really lay a claim to boredom at the moment. Related articles by Zemanta Q & A: Author Carlos Ruiz Zafon (time.com) Carlos Ruiz Zafon Novel Debuts on Top of Indie Bestseller List (mediabistro.com) Vacation Reading 2009 (literatehousewife.com) Omni Daily Crush: “The Inner Game of Tennis” (omnivoracious.com) The new generation’s Catch-22 (gu... white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737985 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:48:29 +0100 2737985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2602202&cid=t_358679_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FyeRYQ2U8OyQ%2Fmaintaining-or-increasing-activity.html "We found that older adults who were sedentary throughout the study had the lowest levels of cognitive function at the beginning and experienced the fastest rate of cognitive decline," Barnes said. "Cognitive decline also was faster in those whose physical activity levels consistently declined during the study period."For more Insight into Alzheimer's DiseaseSubscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading RoomMaintaining or Increasing Activity Levels May Slow Cognitive Decline in ElderlyStudies have found that older adults who are physically active may experience slower rates of cognitive decline. Less is known about the impact of changes in physical activity levels on rate of cognitive decline.Deborah E. Barnes, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francis... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2602202 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:25:55 +0100 2602202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2602199&cid=t_358679_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FG7IngR40iys%2Fdietary-approaches-to-stop-hypertension.html The DASH diet eating plan has been proven to lower blood pressure in studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. High blood pressure is considered a risk factor for Alzheimer's and dementia..For more Insight into Alzheimer's DiseaseSubscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading RoomDietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Eating Pattern May Reduce Age-Related Cognitive Decline The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is often recommended by physicians to people with high blood pressure or pre-hypertension. The DASH diet eating plan has been proven to lower blood pressure in studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. High blood pressure is considered a risk factor for Alzheimer's and dementia.Heidi Wengreen, RD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Nutrition at Ut... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2602199 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:24:34 +0100 2602199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2447834&cid=t_358679_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_358679_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_358679_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_358679_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_358679_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_358679_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_358679_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_358679_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_358679_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_358679_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=1759856&cid=t_358679_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F09%2F03%2Fteen-suicide-rates-decline%2F Despite the hysteria a year ago about a one-year spike in teenage suicide rates, new data show what many were previously cautioning about — drawing broad conclusions from a single datapoint: The new research, based on 1996-2005 national data, appears in Wednesday’s Journal of the American Medical Association. It shows the rate dropped by about 5 percent […] from 1,983 suicides in 2004 to 1,883 in 2005. You’d think everyone would be happy with such a drop, but no, people commenting on the study in the article continue to express caution, despite the decline. Also not surprising is the lack of anyone drawing any type of causal relationships in the article tied to the suicide rate decline. When things go badly, everyone looks to point fingers at a cause. When thi... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1759856 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:52:54 +0100 1759856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1661199&cid=t_358679_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_358679_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=1167236&cid=t_358679_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F220637459%2F I’m preparing to teach a class in Roman History, which meets for the first time tomorrow, Tuesday. We’ll start ab urbe condita—from the time of Rome’s legendary founding in 753 BC—-and end sometime in Late Antiquity, with the unraveling of Romanum Imperium. One of the first things I plan to ask the class is what they know, or think they know, about the Romans and I’m semi-sure someone will mention the hypothesis about lead poisoning causing the decline of Rome—–just as, when anyone in the future teaches about the history of autism, there will be mention of the autism/MMR hypothesis (here’s some history on that by Kevin Leitch). To quote philosopher Santayana’s oft-paraphrased statement: “Those who cannot remember the past ... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1167236 Mon, 21 Jan 2008 23:13:16 +0100 1167236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1075384&cid=t_358679_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=891464&cid=t_358679_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F9%2F21%2Fwhats-all-the-fuss-about-lead.html Poor Mattel; three huge recalls of lead-tainted toys, despite conscientious testing efforts. Those babe-in-the-woods quality control experts were no match to the wily new capitalists from China, determined to maximize profit. Isn’t that the name of the game?What’s next? A toxic Barbie? That may actually be a blessing in disguise.But, it’s not only toys. Here is an item from today’s San Jose Mercury:Lunchbox warning: Health officials say toss themUNSAFE LEVEL OF LEAD FOUND IN GIVEAWAYSBy Steven HarmonMediaNews Sacramento BureauArticle Launched: 09/21/2007 01:33:38 AM PDTSACRAMENTO - "The state's public health department asked parents Thursday to toss certain Chinese-made lunchboxes potentially containing dangerous levels of lead - the same ones it distribut... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=891464 Fri, 21 Sep 2007 23:33:33 +0100 891464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=765743&cid=t_358679_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 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=682880&cid=t_358679_113_f&fid=34933&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpalmdoc.net%2F%3Fp%3D1296 Saw the above titled article over at science direct and thought I’d share it with you. Its from the current issue of the International Journal of Medical Informatics. I had noticed a decline in PDA articles in the academic journals, but this is a goody:-) Also is anyone going to the ISTH in Geneva? See you there?  (Source: The Palmdoc Chronicles) The Palmdoc Chronicles blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=682880 Sun, 17 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 682880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=612001&cid=t_358679_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F05%2F16%2Fdecline-in-u-s-women-getting-mammograms%2F Filed under: Breast Cancer, ResearchThe researchers don't seem to know why, but there is a decline in the number of women in the United States age 40 or older who have had mammograms over the last two years. A study published in the journal Cancer says that during the period from 1987 to 2000, there was a steady increase in women receiving mammograms. They believe this to be somewhat responsible for the increase in breast cancer survival that occurred during that period. Supporting the phrase -- early detection saves lives. They evaluate the trends in mammography use by a survey that is administered to 35,000 adults called the National Health Interview Survey. The current analysis focused on women who had mammograms in the last two years. The survey showed that in the year 2000, 70 percent... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=612001 Wed, 16 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 612001