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 'health & wellness'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:16:27 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182065&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FI8F8AzUnEz4%2F We are pleased to announce that full recordings for all presentations delivered during the 2011 SharpBrains Summit: Retooling Brain Health for the 21st Century (March 30 — April 1, 2011) are now available both to Summit Participants and to non-Participants. You can Learn More Here and Access 40+ Talks and 20+ hours of up-to-date information and analysis of brain science, technology and innovation, delivered by nothing short of a world-class faculty. –> Reg­is­tered Sum­mit Par­tic­i­pants can access all Ses­sion Record­ings by click­ing on the ses­sion titles in the Agenda page and using the same Username and Password they used to participate in the Summit. –> Didn’t Reg­is­ter to Par­tic­i­pate in the 2011 Sharp­Brains Sum­mit but want to access all Ses­... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182065 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:21:34 +0100 5182065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182066&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FcHHww-Xin4g%2F (Editor’s note: Pathways responsible for higher-order thinking in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), or executive center of the brain, remain vulnerable throughout life—during critical early-life developmental windows, when the PFC fully matures in the early 20s, and finally from declines associated with old age. At all ages, physical activity and PFC-navigated social connections are essential components to maintaining brain health. The Experience Corps, a community-based social-engagement program, partners seniors with local schools to promote purpose-driven involvement. Participating seniors have exhibited immediate short-term gains in brain regions vulnerable to aging, such as the PFC, indicating that people with the most to lose have the most to gain from environmental enrichment.) Over ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182066 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:18:19 +0100 5182066 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182067&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F83QTuZxBx3c%2F Obesity linked to Cognition (HealthCanal): - “Obese people tend to perform worse than healthy people at cognitive tasks like planning ahead, a literature review has found, concluding that psychological techniques used to treat anorexics could help obese people too.” - “According to a review of 38 studies on cognitive function and obesity by researchers from the University of NSW, obese people have a tendency toward “reduced executive function”, meaning planning, goal-oriented behaviour and decision-making.” - “Obesity may both cause and be caused by the reduced executive function, said review lead author Dr Evelyn Smith, from UNSW’s School of Psychiatry.” To read article: click Here. To access study: Click on A review of the association between obesity and cognitive fun... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182067 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:09:46 +0100 5182067 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169611&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F83QTuZxBx3c%2F Obesity linked to Cognition (HealthCanal): - “Obese people tend to perform worse than healthy people at cognitive tasks like planning ahead, a literature review has found, concluding that psychological techniques used to treat anorexics could help obese people too.” - “According to a review of 38 studies on cognitive function and obesity by researchers from the University of NSW, obese people have a tendency toward “reduced executive function”, meaning planning, goal-oriented behaviour and decision-making.” - “Obesity may both cause and be caused by the reduced executive function, said review lead author Dr Evelyn Smith, from UNSW’s School of Psychiatry.” To read article: click Here. To access study: Click on A review of the association between obesity and cognitive fun... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169611 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:09:46 +0100 5169611 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159439&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fo71YDxEQEUA%2F We just noticed that the Alliance for Aging Research offers an excellent list of references on Brain Health Research, organized in these 10 sections below. Enjoy! #1 Nourish Your Noggin: Eat a Brain Healthy Diet #2 Use It or Lose It: Stay Mentally Active #3 Work Out for Your Wits: Exercise and Keep Fit #4 Interact with Others: Stay Social #5 Rest for Restoration: Get Plenty of Sleep #6 Unwind for Your Mind: Manage Your Stress #7 Guard Your Gray Matter: Protect Your Head #8 Think Overall Health: Control Other Conditions #9 Give Your Brain a Break: Avoid Unhealthy Habits #10 Understand Your Risk: Consider Your Genes Related articles: The Ten Habits of Highly Effective Brains Debunking 10 Brain Myths (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159439 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:52:32 +0100 5159439 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050914&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FO712DJOvAhQ%2F Very interesting new data reinforcing two main themes we have been analyzing for a while: 1) We better start paying serious attention (and R&D dollars) to lifestyle-based and non-invasive cognitive and emotional health interventions, which are mostly ignored in favor of invasive, drug-based options 2) Interventions will need to be personalized. The study below analyzes data at the country level, but the same logic applies to the individual level Many fear Alzheimer’s, want to be tested: survey (Reuters): - “The telephone survey of 2,678 adults aged 18 and older in the United States, France, Germany, Spain and Poland was conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health and Alzheimer Europe, with funding by Bayer AG” - “When asked to identify the most feared disea... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050914 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:26:15 +0100 5050914 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008449&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fq6v6sBUFKL4%2F Thinking globally to improve mental health: NIH announces international research initiative (press release): - “The Grand Challenges in Global Mental Health Initiative, led by the National Institutes of Health and the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases, has identified the top 40 barriers to better mental health around the world. Similar to past grand challenges, which focused on infectious diseases and chronic, noncommunicable diseases, this initiative seeks to build a community of funders dedicated to supporting research that will significantly improve the lives of people living with MNS disorders within the next 10 years.“ – “Participating in global mental health research is an enormous opportunity, a means to accelerate advances in mental health care for the diverse U.S. popul... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008449 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:53:39 +0100 5008449 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4992815&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FgROm1dTTA8I%2F Let’s explore some  high-quality new resources, announcements and studies in this June edi­tion of the monthly Sharp­Brains eNewslet­ter. The field is clearly on the move! Portraits of the Mind: Several sharp brains (Rick, Karen, John, thanks!) strongly rec­om­mend the recent book  “Por­traits of the Mind: Visu­al­iz­ing the Brain from Antiq­uity to the 21st Cen­tury” (which includes the image on the left) as great read­ing and as a beau­ti­ful cof­fee table book. Promoting Healthy, Meaningful Aging Through Social Involvement: The cur­rent issue of Cere­brum includes the excel­lent in-depth arti­cle on the value of volunteering program Experience Corps to promote healthy and meaningful aging through social involvement. Working memory training can improve fluid i... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4992815 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 18:04:45 +0100 4992815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976036&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Ffuv1BBULwMs%2F The current issue of Cerebrum –a great publication of the Dana Foundation– includes the excellent in-depth article Promoting Healthy, Meaningful Aging Through Social Involvement: Building an Experience Corps, written by researcher Michelle Carlson: “Over the last decade, scientists made two key discoveries that reframed our understanding of the adult brain’s potential to benefit from lifelong environmental enrichment. First, they learned that the adult brain remains plastic; it can generate new neurons in response to physical activity and new experiences. Second, they confirmed the importance of social connectedness to late-life cognitive, psychological, and physical health. The integration of these findings with our understanding of individuals’ developmental needs throughout li... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976036 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 18:01:23 +0100 4976036 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911664&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fr6MhbcUATqg%2F Let us highlight a couple of insightful and brief articles in the New York Times and a very powerful analysis in The New York Review of Books; they provide useful clues about Brain Calisthenics, Bilingual Brains, and Debunking Myths on Mental Illness. Brain Calisthenics for Abstract Ideas (NYT): Now, a small group of cognitive scientists is arguing that schools and students could take far more advantage of this same bottom-up ability, called perceptual learning. The brain is a pattern-recognition machine, after all, and when focused properly, it can quickly deepen a person’s grasp of a principle, new studies suggest. The challenge for education, Dr. Kellman added, “is what do we need to do to make this happen efficiently?” Experts develop such sensitive perceptual radar the old-fashi... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911664 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:12:58 +0100 4911664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883743&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FHmvYXZVd7PY%2F The use of a variety of brain training interventions is growing in the area of mental health. Emerging evidence suggests that in the near future targeted brain training may even be used to prevent substance abuse. For example, training working memory may reduce sub­stance abusers’ discounting of long-term rewards and punishments — such discounting is one of the reasons why people susceptible to addictions do not benefit from traditional informational/ educational approaches to drug prevention. Let’s explore some expanding applications of brain training, and much more, in this latest edition of the monthly Sharp­Brains eNewslet­ter. Brain Training and Mental Health ADHD: Brain Training, Neurofeedback, Diet, and More: What can be done to fight ADHD and improve the lives of peo­pl... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883743 Tue, 31 May 2011 11:04:42 +0100 4883743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872261&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FC6MsRAtQj1A%2F Here are the top 30 Sharpbrains articles based on our readers’ ranking since 2006 and since 2010. Brain science news, brain fitness trends, brain health and maintenance tips, read on to expand your mind! . Top 50 Brain Teasers, by Sharp­Brains Team The Ten Habits of Highly Effec­tive Brains, by Alvaro Fernandez How can I improve my short term mem­ory?, by Pascale Michelon Brain Plas­tic­ity: How learn­ing changes your brain, by Pas­cale Michelon Brain Fitness Program and Neuroplasticity @ PBS, by Alvaro Ferandez What are Cognitive Abilities?, by Pascale Michelon How can I improve my short term mem­ory?, by Car­o­line Latham Your Brain on Trading, by Janice Dorn Stress Man­age­ment Work­shop for Inter­na­tional Women’s Day, by Alvaro Fernandez Video Games Pros and Co... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872261 Fri, 27 May 2011 16:18:53 +0100 4872261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872262&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FJBtYpGEKoSg%2F Substance abuse can have dramatic consequences on the brain and behavior. The traditional way of preventing drug abuse is often education. Awareness programs do work with people who can picture long-term repercussions of abusing drugs. Other people, most often those vulnerable to addictions, do not benefit from such programs. It seems that they tend to devalue both rewards and punishments that will happen in the future, a behavior known as delay discounting. This leads them to opt for immediate rewards, such as those provided by drugs, and ignore future consequences. Would it be possible then to train the brain of these people so that they show less delay discounting? Would that help them stay away from addictive substances? Delay discounting is a brain function that involves the frontal l... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872262 Thu, 26 May 2011 16:14:50 +0100 4872262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862729&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fr2TpIHXFofg%2F If you practice biceps curls at the gym, you will get bigger muscles that are also stronger. So far, the same seemed true for the brain. Thanks to neuroplasticity, practice triggers neuronal and synaptic growth (i.e., brain volume growth), which correlates with better performance. In this fascinating Scientific American article we learn that as the brain masters a new skill, some brain areas do get bigger but eventually shrink back to normal! The performance gain acquired through practice stays present, in spite of the shrinkage. Studying the auditory cortex of rats, they found that the expansion of a ‘skill-specific’ brain area with training is only short lived, even when changes in ability are long lasting. So what does change? Although newly learned perceptual skills don’t show up... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862729 Tue, 24 May 2011 18:49:56 +0100 4862729 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4853011&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Ff_lMEI5cFSg%2F This Huffington Post article is written by Dr. Cynthia Green, an active member of the Friends of SharpBrains.com: Innovation to Enhance Brain Fitness group on LinkedIn. A good reminder of what we should all do to boost our brain fitness: getting off the couch and on your feet maintaining a healthy weight with a low ratio of belly fat Leading a brain-healthful lifestyle Play games against the clock Learn simple strategies to enhance your daily recall Look for activities out of your comfort zone Let’s add to this list managing your stress (via meditation or physical exercise for instance), staying socially connected, and reading interesting and stimulating posts! For more info, revisit our readers’ favorite one: The Ten Habits of Highly Effective Brains (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4853011 Mon, 23 May 2011 16:27:08 +0100 4853011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4848048&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FE5U30HPur8M%2F ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, affects millions of children and adults (up to 5% of children in the US).  More and more evidence suggests that brain training may be key to help these individuals. With this in mind, we put together our most recent articles on the topic to  a) help you better understand what is going in the brain of a person with ADHD, and b) provide you with up-to-date information on what can be done to fight the disorder and improve the lives of people suffering from it. We particularly thank Dr. Rabiner from Duke Uni­ver­sity for writing many of these articles. What is ADHD? What kind of attention is involved in ADHD? ADHD may be considered as a problem in the willful control of attention as opposed to a pure deficit in the ability to pay attent... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4848048 Fri, 20 May 2011 20:02:10 +0100 4848048 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841735&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FJXoGd4HSVHM%2F What is brain fitness really? What will happen in terms of brain fitness innovation in the next decade? What’s the biggest challenge? Who could answer these questions better than the expert SharpBrains 2011 Summit speakers? Discover below the answers of 7 of them. .1. How would you define “brain fit­ness” vs. “phys­i­cal fit­ness”? Alvaro Pascual-Leone, Har­vard Med­ical School: Phys­i­cal fit­ness can refer to an over­all or gen­eral state of health and well-being. How­ever, it is also often used more specif­i­cally to refer to the abil­ity to per­form a given activ­ity, occu­pa­tion, or sport. Sim­i­larly brain fit­ness might be used to refer to a gen­eral state of healthy, opti­mized brain func­tion, or a more spe­cific brain-based abil­ity to proce... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841735 Thu, 19 May 2011 18:55:56 +0100 4841735 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841736&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F5QrUzR8vQNE%2F Laughing feels good. Laughing is indeed good in most cases. A good belly laugh amounts to an aerobic exercise as your blood pressure and heart rate increase, your breathing changes and your diaphragm contracts. Laughing has also been shown to boost the immune system and reduce stress. Laughing is thus good for your brain! Here are two fun ways to take a further look at laughter and the brain : Listen to these laughs and decide whether it is a human or a computer laughing. Try this to find out how much you are stressed. You may be surprised… Enjoy! (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841736 Tue, 17 May 2011 18:59:52 +0100 4841736 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4829084&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F4nxLYTlQzms%2F Conclusions Aerobic exercise seems to benefit overweight children not only physically but also mentally. These findings mirror the ones observed in the aging population. Aerobic exercise influences cognition through the increase of growth factors such as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which leads to increased capillary blood supply to the brain and growth of both new neurons and synapses. With childhood obesity on the rise, these are very timely findings. In addition, exercise is a simple solution to increase physical health and mental performance. Something to tell to your school board, over and over! Related posts: Fitter bodies = fitter brains. True at all ages? Exercise as a Treatment for ADHD (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4829084 Mon, 16 May 2011 17:59:30 +0100 4829084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4820997&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FAiWHQHdtHoM%2F This article explores another relationship between music and dementia: playing a musical instrument, even as an amateur, may protect the brain later on against dementia-related damages. Researchers had 70 people ages 60 to 83 perform a variety of tests to measure visuospatial memory, ability to name objects, the brain’s ability to adapt to new information […] those who had engaged in musical activity for 10 years or longer scored substantially better than those with no musical activity in their past. the longer people play instruments, the more benefits they may derive. All were amateurs who had started playing when they were 10 years old. the relationship between cognitive skills and years of musical activity held up whether the musicians were currently involved in making music or not... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4820997 Fri, 13 May 2011 14:43:15 +0100 4820997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4820998&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FwWKmkNNTOac%2F This article originally appeared on her Psychology Today blog. More on her work can be found at sianbeilock.com (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4820998 Thu, 12 May 2011 16:34:21 +0100 4820998 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813479&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FugfBQbWpR8I%2F Music can soothe and trigger memories. It is as such that music is most often used with Alzheimer’s patients. A new study suggests that music may also be used as a booster for learning new things, an ability very impaired in those with Alzheimer’s. Individuals with Alzheimer’s and matched controls were presented with unfamiliar songs lyrics: half of the lyrics were sung and half were merely spoken. Participants were then presented with the lyrics they had heard as well as with new ones, and asked whether they recognized any lyrics. Alzheimer’s patients’ memory was much better for sung lyrics than for spoken ones. There was no difference between the two types of lyrics for the healthy older adults. Why do people with Alzheimer’s seem to benefit from musical stimuli? The authors ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813479 Tue, 10 May 2011 20:53:14 +0100 4813479 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4794947&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FN2E6PwNshHU%2F What’s going on in the brain while we sleep? A lot! Specifically, processes supporting the consolidation of memories. This Dana Foundation article reviews fascinating studies in which memories are reactivated during sleep thanks to either an odor or an auditory cue. Results suggest that such reactivation leads to better memory: reactivation during slow-wave sleep supports the transfer of the memory representation from the hippocampus to long-term storage in the neocortex, and also strengthens it one possible application of such findings could be to overwrite unwanted traumatic memories another application would be to use the deep-sleep reactivation to enhance memories in students, or in elderly people with declining memory skills. More evidence then that a good night sleep should be part... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4794947 Fri, 06 May 2011 15:32:12 +0100 4794947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4789447&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FYaFAHUra1Jg%2F Chemo brain or chemo fog refers to the cognitive changes that can occur during and after chemotherapy. These changes may translate into memory lapses, motor problems, difficulty finding words and problems managing multiple tasks and learning new things. Although the causes of the phenomenon are still under debate, it is nonetheless a real problem, affecting 20% to 30% of breast cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy. This New York Time article reports that chemo brain effects may be longer lasting than originally thought. “Chemo brain,” the foggy thinking and forgetfulness that cancer patients often complain about after treatment, may last for five years or more for a sizable percentage of patients, new research shows. The study, published in The Journal of Clinical Oncology, is a vi... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4789447 Thu, 05 May 2011 15:38:14 +0100 4789447 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4780387&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FgN8ti3FGolg%2F The new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5) is scheduled to be released in May 2013. This recent Dana Foundation article points out the need of a fundamentally different approach based on the new ways researchers use to study and understand mental illness. The problem with the DSM-IV, our current shared diagnostic language, is that a large and growing body of evidence demonstrates that it does a poor job of capturing either clinical and biological realities. In the clinic, the limitations of the current DSM-IV approach can be illustrated in three salient areas: (1) the problem of comorbidity, (2) the widespread need for “not otherwise specific (NOS)” diagnoses, and (3) the arbitrariness of diagnostic thresholds. Whatever the ultimate approach to the DSM-5, ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4780387 Tue, 03 May 2011 18:18:02 +0100 4780387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4768119&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FB-OzoNkj7bM%2F This article by Greater Good Magazine discusses how med­i­tat­ing can increase the den­sity of gray mat­ter in brain regions asso­ci­ated with mem­ory, stress, and empa­thy.  The Benefits of a One-Time Cognitive Training Program: They last but wane over time as shown in the 3-month follow-up results of the IMPACT study. Can Direct Brain Stimulation Boost Performance? The answer seems to be yes, according to three studies using different types of electrical/magnetic brain stimulation. How the Brain of a Blind Person Rewires Itself: The brain areas devoted to vision in peo­ple with eye sight turn out to be respond­ing to speech in blind people. How are Young Brains Affected by Stress? An interesting article from the Dana Foundation on the consequences of early l... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4768119 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:00:18 +0100 4768119 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4742535&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F0vszrfUIDvw%2F A new study suggests that virtual reality and other video games involving motion can enhance motor improvement after a stroke. The improvement seems to be greater than the one observed with traditional therapy. This result is quite promising since 55 to 75% of stroke survivors experience motor problem in their arms. The study was a meta-analysis that looked at 12 previously published studies, for a total of 195 patients. Most were observational studies in which the patients used a variety of virtual (e.g., Wii) and non-virtual  (e.g., Glasstron) games during therapy. In the 5 randomized studies, a group of patients was assigned to standard therapy and another to virtual reality therapy. Patients in virtual reality therapy had 4.89 times higher chance of improvement in motor strength... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4742535 Fri, 22 Apr 2011 17:20:41 +0100 4742535 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734335&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FqwDzB8_NkyA%2F There’s an excellent article in the New York Times (Eighty Years Along, a Longevity Study Still Has Ground to Cover) about a very worthy new book based on a fascinating series of research studies: The Longevity Project: Surprising Discoveries for Health and Long Life from the Landmark Eight-Decade Study is the book where UC-Riverside researchers Howard Friedman and Leslie Martin draw key lessons from an eight-decade-long Stanford University Terman study of 1,500 people. Quotes from the article: - Many assume biology is the critical factor in longevity. If your parents lived to be 85, you probably will, too. Not so, Dr. Friedman said. “Genes constitute about one-third of the factors leading to long life,” he said. “The other two-thirds have to do with lifestyles and chance…The k... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734335 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:19:47 +0100 4734335 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4724050&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FZkidvf57iq0%2F In the past few days you may have come across headlines claiming that weight loss can improve memory. If so, you may be wondering what to make of this. Let’s take a brief look at the study at the origin of these articles. Participants were 109 bariatric surgery patients and 41 obese people (controls) who had not undergone surgery. Bariatric surgery refers mostly to gastric bypass surgery, which creates a smaller stomach and bypasses part of the small intestine. The bariatric patients were enrolled in the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery project conducted, among others, by researchers at Kent State university and Columbia University. The memory of the 150 participants was assessed before the surgery as well as 12 weeks after. Results showed that the memory of the surgery patie... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4724050 Mon, 18 Apr 2011 18:02:03 +0100 4724050 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4693387&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fj_8LQaaHAeI%2F Beverly Sanborn, Vice President of Program Development at Belmont Senior Living and scheduled 2011 SharpBrains Summit Speaker, could not finally speak at the Summit (she was very well replaced by colleague Jeff DeBevec), but fortunately we can share her thoughtful answers to the following four critical questions. 1. How would you define “brain fitness” vs. “physical fitness”? Brain fitness and physical fitness are interlinked. Each enhances the other and both are essential components of successful aging. As we age, the ability to cope with inexorable challenge to social-emotional-economic well-being is rooted in having a high level of mental alertness and a physical body that functions efficiently. But fitness is not just a happy consequence of a hardy gene pool. Fitness for bo... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4693387 Fri, 08 Apr 2011 13:24:50 +0100 4693387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4664346&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FZZnoOyvpZ3k%2F Stress management is among the pillars of brain health maintenance. High and sustained levels of stress can indeed damage neurons, especially in areas of the brain responsible for learning and memory. What about the effect of stress on the developing brains of infants and children? What are the cognitive consequences? How can these be prevented? This interesting article reports findings from both animal and human research answering these questions: Brain development goes through sensitive periods during which stressors and nurturing experiences can have lasting effects Chaos in the home and inconsistent parenting impairs development of self regulatory behaviors, which can lead to substance abuse, earlier onset of sexual activity, bad decision making and poor mood control. … consistency a... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4664346 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:10:08 +0100 4664346 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4658415&cid=t_356528_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F30%2Fintroducing-partners-in-wellness%2F I’m pleased to introduce our newest blog, Partners in Wellness by Kate Thieda. This is a blog that is meant to provide information and support to relationship partners and spouses who are in a marriage with someone who has a mental illness, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Coping with someone who has a serious mental illness can often times be trying, difficult, and stressful. This blog will deal with topics to help caregivers and partners learn to better communicate and improve their relationships with someone who has a mental health concern. Partners in Wellness will focus on helping people who are in a relationship with a person who has a mental health issue. While this may include what people often refer to as “caregivers,” it is focused on people who are par... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658415 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:55:29 +0100 4658415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642778&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FzMup-MmCrO0%2F We are honored to announce that Dr. Brenda Dann-Messier, US Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education, will open 2011 SharpBrains Virtual Summit next Wednesday, March 30th, sharing Welcome Remarks with all participants. Brenda Dann-Messier was nominated by President Obama as assistant secretary for vocational and adult education on July 14, 2009. On Oct. 5, 2009 she was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and began her official duties on Oct. 13, 2009. As the first assistant secretary for the Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE) who is also an adult educator, Dann-Messier leads the Department’s efforts in adult education and career and technical education, as well as efforts supporting community colleges and correctional education. She o... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642778 Sat, 26 Mar 2011 14:27:05 +0100 4642778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4636556&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fuf-Uf8VZ06k%2F This article reports the work of German researchers who looked at blind people’s brains to try to answer these questions. They found out that indeed, blind people can understand speech even if sped up beyond the maximum rate that sighted people can understand. This seemed possible because the brain areas devoted to vision in people with eye sight turned out to be responding to speech in blind people. 10 syllables per second [is] the absolute limit of comprehension for sighted people. Blind people, however, can comprehend speech sped up to 25 syllables per second. brain scanner revealed that in blind people the part of the cerebral cortex that normally responds to vision was responding to speech.…somehow an unsighted person’s brain rewires itself to connect auditory regions of the bra... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4636556 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:45:35 +0100 4636556 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631562&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FFOBERNYpykU%2F As announced by the NIMH a few months ago, schizophrenia can now be considered as a brain disorder. Research is focusing on the cognitive deficits as the main problem of the disorder, probably preceding and perhaps leading to the symptoms of hallucinations and delusions. A recent article in the Psychiatric Times reviews the different cognitive remediation techniques used with people suffering from schizophrenia. This is of interest to anybody working on mental health. Indeed, as Sophia Vino­gradov, Interim Vice Chair Psy­chi­a­try at UCSF will discuss during the SharpBrains Summit (next week!) schizophrenia is leading the way in understanding how to identify and address brain-based cognitive deficits associated with the disorder. …most [Cognitive Remediation (CR) programs] are now c... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631562 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:48:44 +0100 4631562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4622371&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FlWy_pki3qbY%2F We are pleased to make eleven important announcements about the upcoming 2011 SharpBrains Virtual Summit…eleven additional reasons to consider registering and joining our event and community next week. Intel Corporation, the “Sponsors of Tomorrow™”, and Lumos Labs have become Summit Gold Sponsors. SharpBrains will issue a Certificate of Attendance to participants (20 hours of continuing education). Jamie Wilson shares 20 reasons why virtual conferences are the future. NIH/ NIA Program Chief Molly Wagster will discuss the new NIH Tool­box for Assess­ment of Neu­ro­log­i­cal and Behav­ioral Func­tion. Yaakov Stern (Columbia), David Darby (CogState), Keith Wesnes (United BioSource) and Jef­frey Kaye (Orcatech) will explore The Role of Cog­ni­tive Health Mon­i­tor­ing S... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4622371 Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:37:03 +0100 4622371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4615262&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FI6O2P1izyjA%2F Fetuses and newborns react preferentially to their mother’s voice. A recent study looked for the first time at what is going on in a newborn brain when hearing his mother’s voice and a stranger’s voice. Results showed that not only newborns process their mother’s voice more actively than that of a stranger but they also process it differently. Researchers looked at the brain activity in response to voices (mother and female stranger) in 16 newborn babies (mean age: 21 hours), by applying electrodes to their heads while they were sleeping. Both the mother and a female nurse (who had visited the mother several times before the birth) were asked to make the short ‘A’ vowel sound. The mother’s voice processing initially activated the left posterior temporal lobe, an area particul... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4615262 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:36:55 +0100 4615262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4610895&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FWmRE0YNJTlA%2F Conferences have long been a staple of the professional calendar. Now, after a recession that has slashed travel expenditure, the landscape for events is changing. Sophisticated digital platforms are enabling virtual environments that simulate the benefits of real events, and attendees are beginning to shift to accessing subject matter experts and industry networking online. But can the digital environment really displace brick and mortar events, where eye to eye meetings and chance connections can justify the often costly registration fees and travel costs? In organizations where hundreds of executives and professionals attend several conferences a year at $1,000 or more each in total cost, a virtual conference at $500 can be attractive. Making virtual connections at an online conference ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4610895 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:49:41 +0100 4610895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4605930&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FmomsnzcNFt4%2F Neurons in the brain transmit information by exchanging electrical and chemical signals. What would happen if these electrical signals were transformed by applying an external current? Could this help boost brain functions? In this article, Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is reported to help people solve brain-teasers. In the study weak currents altered the activity of neurons in the anterior temporal lobes through electrodes on the scalp. Read more In this other article another technique was used: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS works by generating a magnetic field that passes the scalp and the skull. In the study an exploratory use of TMS combined with cognitive training was tested for a few months on 8 Alzheimer’s patients. The results were promising. Read ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4605930 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 20:39:52 +0100 4605930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592532&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FCc5NbTKqPmo%2F Do you remember the IMPACT study published in 2009? It was a randomized clinical trial with healthy older adults that compared a computer-based cognitive program that trains audi­tory pro­cess­ing (Brain Fitness Program, Posit Science) with educational video programs (control group). People who used the program improved in the trained tasks, which was not that surprising, but there was also a clear ben­e­fit in audi­tory mem­ory, which wasn’t directly trained. A 2011 paper reports the 3-month follow-up results of the IMPACT study. The 487 participants in the original study were 65 and older. Training was 1 hour a day, 4 to 5 days a week, for a total of 40 hours in 8 to 10 weeks. There was no contact with the researchers between the initial training study and the follow-up study. T... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592532 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:26:01 +0100 4592532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4575138&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FFj9e8P0ypX0%2F This article is excerpted from Longevity Rules: How to Age Well Into the Future,  a compendium 0f 34 excellent essays where leading longevity experts help policymakers and the public better understand the aging experience. In the essay below, Joseph Coughlin, the Director of MIT AgeLab, explores the role that technology can play in aging well. Copyright 2010, Eskaton. — Aging is not for wimps. While living longer has become remarkably commonplace, living well takes a lot of work. Longevity is creating new and expanded “jobs” for individuals, families, formal caregivers and public agencies. During the past decade many have argued that technology is the answer to aging — without really asking what the question is. This definition of the “aging and technology opportunity” is dri... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4575138 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 19:08:52 +0100 4575138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4566351&cid=t_356528_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F09%2Fopportunity-for-a-conversation%2F I had a wonderful discussion with another occupational therapist about the profession’s response to the earthquake.  ”How”, she asked, “Can occupational therapists from the other end of the country help those in Christchurch?” To further this discussion, I’ve added a new page to my blog for people to contribute their thoughts about how occupational therapists can aid in the recovery process for people in Christchurch. Feel free to contribute, comment, say your piece – and even if you’re not an occupational therapist, but you have some thoughts about how occupational therapy as a profession might be able to help, please add your comments too. Go here for the page… Filed under: Coping Skills, Coping strategies, Health, Occupational thera... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4566351 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 03:13:32 +0100 4566351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560440&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FQXbljhNuPqU%2F Editor’s Note: We are pleased to bring you this arti­cle by Jason Marsh, thanks to our col­lab­o­ra­tion with the Greater Good Mag­a­zine. ——————- I consider myself something of a prospective meditator—meaning that a serious meditation practice is always something I’m about to start… next week. So for years, I’ve been making a mental note of new studies showing that meditation can literally change our brain structure in ways that might boost concentration, memory, and positive emotions. The results seem enticing enough to make anyone drop into the full lotus position—until you read the fine print: Much of this research involves people who have meditated for thousands of hours over many years; some of it zeroes in on Olympic-level meditators who have clocked 1... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560440 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:27:50 +0100 4560440 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560441&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FYiBAxUUfUnY%2F The same way a brain fitness software program can help increase driving safety for older adults, simple cognitive tests may help determine whether a person can drive safely after a stroke. A recent study analyzed 30 previous studies in which the participants’ driving skills after a stroke were tested in an on-road evaluation. 1,728 individuals with an average age of 61 were involved. On average, 9 months had passed between the stroke and the driving evaluation. Note that 54 percent of the participants passed the on-road evaluation. The authors of the analysis looked for tests scores that could predict the actual driving evaluation outcome. They identified 3 simple cognitive tests that did quite well: a Road Sign Recognition test (assessing traffic knowledge and visual comprehension) a C... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560441 Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:59:02 +0100 4560441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4554805&cid=t_356528_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F07%2Fafter-quake-aftermath%2F Once again I’m lead to pondering the different ways my situation has affected me, and what might be helpful to mitigate some of the less frequently mentioned aspects of coping in a disaster. Like many people, I’m still managing with quite limited power, water that is a trickle (not enough pressure to fill a toilet cistern let alone the hot water cylinder!), and the hassles of finding a supermarket and shops that are open, a petrol station before I run out of gas, and ways to dispose of human waste matter safely. I posted before about the loss of cues that usually help me to maintain my normal routine.  With the loss of these cues, and changes to my usual routine, as well as the inevitable anxiety that comes with repeated aftershocks (Is that a truck going by or an aftershock? ... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4554805 Mon, 07 Mar 2011 03:16:10 +0100 4554805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4549822&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FM1_XBSQ2U8o%2F This article shows how Marble: The Brain Store has developed a very interactive retail experience to help consumers find the products that are right for them. Note that we will have a chance to learn more about the concept as Lindsay Gaskins, CEO of Marbles, will be speaking at the SharpBrains Summit this month (March 30 — April 1). Marbles is making its mark with entertainment and service. This is not a typical game store. Employees are called brain coaches, not sales associates, and are trained on how to play the hundreds of games and puzzles and software in the store. Like a bookstore, Marbles divides its products by subject: critical thinking, memory, coordination, visual perception and word skills. The store carries 250 products […] There are games for fine-motor skills, stress re... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4549822 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:43:14 +0100 4549822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4549823&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F5UgK_ABDmck%2F We have received a very thoughtful complaint about yesterday’s message, so let me take a few minutes to address it and to answer other frequently asked questions on the 2011 SharpBrains Summit. Complaint: “Why do people who procrastinate and sign up late warrant a special “perk” (referring to the “Integrative Neuroscience and Personalized Medicine” reference book we offered yesterday)? If that is the kind of business ethic you promote it almost makes me want to cancel my earlier registration.” That is an excellent point, which we did take into account but did not communicate properly. The reason we felt it was fine to offer such a “perk” was because discounted early-bird rates had just expired. Assuming 20–30 people register to the Summit by end of today, this gives th... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4549823 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:42:22 +0100 4549823 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4545264&cid=t_356528_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F04%2Ffriday-in-christchurch%2F Despite the devastation, there are some wonderful sights in Christchurch right now.  This one (above) made me smile today. And this one was taken in Nelson after we had turned back to return to Christchurch last week.  Cheerful things, sunflowers, and glorious colour on a rather gloomy and very grim day. Filed under: Coping strategies, Relaxation, Resilience/Health, Wellness Tagged: christchurch, coping, flowers, hope, Nelson, photographs, Resilience, wellbeing (Source: HealthSkills Weblog) HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4545264 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:05:25 +0100 4545264 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4536519&cid=t_356528_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F02%2Fliving-well-with-chronic-pain-a-grounded-theory-study%2F While ‘coping’ with chronic pain has been studied extensively, the people usually studied have been those seeking treatment, and because of this, little is known about how people cope well despite their pain.  A large group of people experiencing ongoing pain do not seek treatment, and while there is speculation that factors such as personality or social support may be associated with this, there is very little known about how this group of people have developed coping skills, or the strategies they employ. Consequently there is a lack of theory to explain how some people with chronic pain continue with important activities despite their pain. My PhD study is intended to develop a theoretical understanding (using a grounded theory methodology) of how people cope well despite their pai... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4536519 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 03:19:00 +0100 4536519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4532378&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FVk4B07Z6vV8%2F Most parents want the best for their children and hope they will be healthy, happy and smart individuals. And most parents wonder what they should do to make sure this happens. In Brain Rules for Baby, John Medina (author of Brain Rules), provides a good summary of cognitive science findings that shed light on how a baby’s brain grows from 0 to 5.  In this book you learn as much about factors inherent to a child that parents cannot control (the seeds) and factors that parents can control (the soil). What follows is an excerpt from the “Smart Baby: Seeds” chapter in which John Medina describes the many “ingredients that make up the human intelligence stew”.  2. Self Control A healthy, well­-adjusted preschooler sits down at a table in front of two giant, freshly baked chocolate... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4532378 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 13:43:09 +0100 4532378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4532380&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FJcpGWkYHsIk%2F The 2011 SharpBrains Summit: Retooling Brain Health for the 21st Century (March 30 — April 1st) is just 5 weeks away. You can Learn More and Register Today HERE. Don’t miss the opportunity to join an incredible line-up of 36+ confirmed Speakers, 7 Sponsors/ Exhibitors, 13 Partners, and 150+ Participants as of today, all available to you without any travel involved. Sponsors Sponsorship Opportunities Want to announce or promote your service or product at the 2011 SharpBrains Summit? Maximize your marketing and business development reach & make a big splash in front of our prestigious audience! Only two Sponsorship spots are still available and going fast! Click here for information about the various ways to get involved. Summit Partners Remember… Learn More and Register Today HE... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4532380 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:06:23 +0100 4532380 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4517252&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FJcpGWkYHsIk%2F The 2011 SharpBrains Summit: Retooling Brain Health for the 21st Century (March 30 — April 1st) is just 5 weeks away. Rates go up THIS FRIDAY at 5PM EST, so please Learn More and Register Today HERE. Don’t miss the opportunity to join an incredible line-up of 36+ confirmed Speakers, 7 Sponsors/ Exhibitors, 13 Partners, and 150+ Participants as of today, all available to you without any travel involved. Sponsors Sponsorship Opportunities Want to announce or promote your service or product at the 2011 SharpBrains Summit? Maximize your marketing and business development reach & make a big splash in front of our prestigious audience! Only two Sponsorship spots are still available and going fast! Click here for information about the various ways to get involved. Summit Partners Rates ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4517252 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:06:23 +0100 4517252 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4507427&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F3ESQXRW2Tms%2F Cognitive performance can be improved but people vary in their ability to do so. It is not clear yet how to assess who will benefit the most from training and the cognitive tests used in the past were not very good at predicting this.   Dr. Kramer and his colleagues recently showed that the brain activity in a specific part of the brain (the dorsal striatum) at the start of training in a complex video-game could accurately predict how well people will benefit from the training.  Thirty-four young adults with little experience in playing video games were trained to play a complex video game called Space Fortress. After initial instruction, they played the game while their brains were being scanned using fMRI. For the next three to eight weeks (38 days on average) they completed ten two-... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4507427 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:33:25 +0100 4507427 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495323&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FGBUbT_mlCGg%2F Some sports such as foot­ball are par­tic­u­larly vio­lent and many play­ers suf­fer con­cus­sions. Con­cus­sions can cause a vari­ety of phys­i­cal, cog­ni­tive, and emo­tional symp­toms. Although symp­toms usu­ally go away within a few weeks with­out treat­ment, they may per­sist, or com­pli­ca­tions (such as demen­tia) may occur. Recent evidence shows that even hits to the head that do not lead to a concussion can impair visual memory. Detecting concussions is thus becoming critical in high-contact sports. A new test that can be performed at the sideline of sporting events seems to accurately detect concussions by looking at different types of eye movements that are usually abnormal after a concussion: The test, called the King-Devick test, captures impairment... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495323 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:57:40 +0100 4495323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4489816&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FobcTqPEVmCU%2F We are pleased to announce two new resources for all professionals, researchers, developers, innovators and decision-makers in the field of brain health and cognitive fitness who are interested in better tracking and shaping the future that is already here. First of all, we have opened up a “Friends of SharpBrains.com” professional networking group on LinkedIn. If you are already a LinkedIn member, you can join the 377 existing members by clicking Here. Second, registered participants for the upcoming 2011 SharpBrains Summit (March 30 — April 1st) can now connect with each other and with speakers, as well as access 10 exclusive Innovation Case Studies prepared by the Win­ners and Final­ists of the 2010 Brain Fitness Innovation Awards. Ordered by approximate age group of the target ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4489816 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:43:32 +0100 4489816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4477919&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F8T-GC7lWqb4%2F What better way to celebrate Valentines’ day than to accompany Marian Diamond on her search for love and wisdom in the brain? Dr. Diamond is Pro­fes­sor of Neu­ro­science and Anatomy at UC-Berkeley  and one of the world’s fore­most researchers on neu­ro­plas­tic­ity and enrich­ment. In the 60s, her  pioneer work demonstrated the impact of physical and intellectual stimulation on brain functions. In this article she tells us why it matters to love our brains as well as where to look for love in the brain: … if everyone understood what we know today about his or her body and worked to keep it fit, and everyone practiced the golden rule, how much we could all enjoy, study, and maintain our beautiful earth to its fullest extent. But for all of this ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4477919 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:34:11 +0100 4477919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4464596&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FwejuIjZ-Z6Y%2F Both children and adults need a good night sleep to function at their best. A recent study, summarized here, suggests that this is true for babies too: How much sleep a 12 month old baby gets can influence the development of his/her executive functions. Executive functions, supported by the frontal lobes of the brain, are often considered as indicators of children’s likelihood of succeeding in school. They involve decision-making, problem-solving, plan­ning, inhibit­ing, as well as other high-level func­tions (social behav­ior, emo­tional con­trol, work­ing mem­ory, etc.). Researchers asked parents to complete three-day sleep journals when their infants were 12 and 18 months.[…] three variables were identified: total hours of sleep, percentage of total sleep occurring between 7... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4464596 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:16:50 +0100 4464596 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4460196&cid=t_356528_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2F11%2Ffriday-meditation%2F As you know, Friday is about getting ready for the weekend.  Today I decided not to pass on some of the horrendous puns shared with me by one of my esteemed colleagues (although I may drop just one in because I can!).  Instead I thought this poem is a chance to consider being ‘in the now’, something clinicians working in pain management really need. Salutation To The Dawn Look to this day! For it is life, the very life of life. In its brief course Lie all the verities and realities of your existence: The bliss of growth, The glory of action, The splendor of achievement, For yesterday is but a dream And tomorrow is just a vision, And today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness And every tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore to this day! Such is th... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4460196 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 21:04:50 +0100 4460196 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4460053&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F2HoNJkXp0Bo%2F CONCLUSION In terms of the first hour or so of play, users in this age group will be most motivated to engage with mobile brain training game technology when it’s perceived as providing a good challenge, of some practical benefit and is in some way familiar. Users will see usability issues, poor communication from the game and games that are inappropriately timed, i.e. too fast, as barriers to engagement. You can help us further understand what constitutes an enjoyable puzzle game experience for seniors by downloading the free iPhone app and participating in the next study. – Donal O’Brien is a PhD candidate at the Sonic Arts Research Centre in Queen’s University Belfast. His work is concerned with mobile digital game design and evaluation for seniors. His main interests are ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4460053 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 20:23:12 +0100 4460053 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455363&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FR9zgtX2BwpU%2F This article from the Dana Foundation asks a very interesting question: Can we disrupt the reconsolidation of traumatic memories that contribute to PTSD and bring relief to patients suffering from this disorder? This complete and stimulating read tells us how memories are formed and consolidated. The authors discuss the different techniques used or under research that can help PTSD patients. Since available therapies have success rates of only 60%, this is a pressing topic these days. The ethical question of whether it is okay to look for solutions to erase memories is also raised. Related article: Can Brain Fitness Innovation Enhance Cognitive Rehab? (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455363 Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:04:49 +0100 4455363 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4450390&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FDyXSG_WBfSQ%2F What may be the most time and cost-efficient way to attend a conference, learn from world-class speakers and meet old and new colleagues? Answer: A virtual conference, such as the upcoming 2011 SharpBrains Summit: Retooling Brain Health for the 21st Century (March 30th — April 1st). Please watch this 3-minute clip to learn how the SharpBrains Summit works, and why you should consider joining the good company of over 35 leading Speakers drawn from industry, research and the front lines. Confirmed Speakers include: === To Learn More About Summit Faculty & Agenda, click HERE We’d be delighted to count on your participation in this innovative endeavor, - The SharpBrains Team PS: Early-bird registration rates end on February 18th, with substantial savings available both for companies a... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4450390 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 17:25:38 +0100 4450390 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4436845&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FhhTb65BWQDQ%2F In conclusion our research has shown that cryptic crosswords can help improve cognitive functioning in later life, which might not be the case for general knowledge crosswords. Overall the take-home message is continue doing the cryptic crosswords, even if they are a struggle! —  Nicholas Almond has been based at the University of Leeds, UK, for almost twelve years. Nick has just completed his PhD in cognitive neuropsychology, which investigated the relationship between cognitive activity and cognitive decline in healthy aging. . References 1. Hambrick, D. Z., Salthouse, T. A. & Meinz, E. J. (1999). Predictors of Crossword Puzzle Proficiency and Moderators of Age-Cognition Relations. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 12(2), 131–164. 2. Dunlosky, J., Kubat-Silman, A. K. & Her... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4436845 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:13:30 +0100 4436845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4424323&cid=t_356528_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_356528_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=4406046&cid=t_356528_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2F28%2Ffriday-funnies-47%2F Mapping my desk. Familiar to anyone? I’ll be off to see the Buskers this weekend - go here if you don’t know what I’m talking about. The very best of the world’s buskers are here, and it’s awesome! Filed under: Humour, Resilience/Health, Wellness Tagged: desk, filing, Friday funnies, organisation, PhD (Source: HealthSkills Weblog) HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4406046 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 21:17:35 +0100 4406046 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4405887&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FJ4iZRHT3UoQ%2F More and more research suggests that our brains have difficulty differentiating between observing an action and actually participating in it. Empathy, for example, seems to hinge in part on our ability to “take on” another’s emotions through vicarious experience. I always think of this when watching a comedian fall flat. I can feel the embarrassment as if I’m standing there on stage looking at a room full of blank stares. A study in the journal Psychological Science investigated this dynamic, but from a different angle: researchers wanted to know if observing someone else exert self-control boosts or reduces one’s own self-control. Participants were asked to either take on the perspective of someone exerting self-control, or merely read about someone exerting self-control. They w... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4405887 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:54:11 +0100 4405887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399676&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FjGQ-IKZdZ0U%2F We are honored to announce the following Sponsors and Partners of the upcoming 2011 SharpBrains Summit: Retooling Brain Health for the 21st Century (March 30th — April 1st, 2011). And we are looking for more, so please contact us if interested! — Sponsors (want to become one?) The Arrowsmith Program,  avail­able in pub­lic and pri­vate schools in  the U.S. and Canada, is a com­pre­hen­sive suite of cog­ni­tive pro­grams for stu­dents with learn­ing dis­abil­i­ties that tar­gets 19 areas of the brain that are most com­monly involved in learn­ing. The Arrow­smith Pro­gram iden­ti­fies and strength­ens the weak cog­ni­tive areas that affect learn­ing and each stu­dent works on cog­ni­tive pro­grams that are indi­vid­u­ally designed for his or her are... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399676 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:15:36 +0100 4399676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399677&cid=t_356528_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=4382865&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FSIuCVbZ_E-A%2F Following are two great illustrations excerpted from the children’s book: Your Fantastic, Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It. This new book written by JoAnn Deak, PhD and illustrated by Sarah Ackerley explains to children how the brain changes with experiences and how they have some control over their brain power and health.  It is a great introduction to neuroplasticity and brain fitness. A fun read for all brain owners, young and old, out there! . To Learn More and Order the Book: click on Your Fantastic, Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It (Little Pickle Press, $17.95). Looking for more resources about children’s brain? Check out this related post: Top 10 Q&A about Child’s Brain Development (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4382865 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:50:11 +0100 4382865 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4377801&cid=t_356528_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2F21%2Ffriday-funnies-46%2F No further comment required. Filed under: Humour, Pain, Resilience/Health, Wellness Tagged: activity, coping, Friday funnies, funny, Health, Humour (Source: HealthSkills Weblog) HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4377801 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 19:49:16 +0100 4377801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4361141&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FZ-URJT5BSII%2F The media regularly reports on findings based on neuroimaging studies, but rarely do they explain exactly what these techniques are, their benefits or what it’s like to actually participate in these types of studies. Today I’ll describe what a participant goes through when they volunteer for a cognitive neuroscience experiment using a neuroimaging technique called electroencephalography (EEG). Unfortunately, it is exceedingly common for participants to not understand how these techniques benefit previous behavioral findings. Simply stated, if I were a participant, I’d like to know why I needed to wear a weird swim cap and how it benefits the research being done. EEG is a tool regularly used to view and record the changes in brain activity involved in the various types of cognitive fu... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4361141 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 19:08:40 +0100 4361141 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4349576&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FmMnjFqx8cMU%2F A fascinating New York Time article on solving puzzles: Why you do it, how you do it, and what’s going on in your brain while you do it. The appeal of puzzles goes far deeper than the dopamine-reward rush of finding a solution. The very idea of doing a crossword or a Sudoku puzzle typically shifts the brain into an open, playful state. There are different ways to solve a puzzle: an analytical way of trial and errors and an “insight” or creative way.  Recent neuroimaging studies looked at what happens in the brain of people preparing to solve a puzzle. Results suggest that a particular signature of preparatory activity, one that is strongly correlated with positive moods, can be observed in people’s brains who are more likely to solve puzzles with sudden insight than with trial and... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4349576 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 19:57:31 +0100 4349576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4343238&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F_DBZ4mqy5-Y%2F This article describes a recent social psychology study that sheds some light on what good you can get from such relationships. A great post by Matthew Brim that we are pleased to bring you thanks to our col­lab­o­ra­tion with The Greater Good Mag­a­zine. (Photo: Tatiana Gladskikh) . .Why Other People’s Good News Could Be Good for You How often does this happen to you: You come home ecstatic about some great news—a job promotion, a victorious tennis match, or maybe just the latest Ben and Jerry’s ice cream flavor—and you immediately relate the experience to your romantic partner, roommate, or anyone within earshot. But instead of sharing your enthusiasm, they greet your news with indifference. Does this quell your excitement, or even make you enjoy the event less? A recent st... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4343238 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:42:22 +0100 4343238 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4338110&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Flt_1SrI1T_Y%2F This study shows that this may be true only for specific, high-level functions.  Indeed, here training probabilistic inference benefited several perceptual and sensory tasks. So, it may be that the more basic the function trained, the more tasks the function will be involved in and thus the more tasks will benefit from the training. Something to keep in mind when choosing which mental activity may be the right one for you. Who may benefit from the sensory improvement provided by playing action video games? Many people for whom it is important to make quick decisions based on visual or auditory information (if you are a surgeon or in the middle of a battle field). Focusing on vision, Daphne Bave­lier, one of the authors of the study, suggested that “inter­ven­tions that include action... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4338110 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 17:30:27 +0100 4338110 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4314120&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F39r_WN7Xmeg%2F It is well known that physical fitness training can improve cognitive abilities. A small study surprisingly suggests that it may work both ways: Cognitive training may improve walking speed in seniors. How is this possible? Twenty seniors, aged 70 or older, who exercised once a week or less and walked slowly, participated in the study. Ten of the seniors participated in the Mindfit brain fitness program three times weekly (45–60 min. each time) for eight weeks. The other 10 seniors constituted the control group. Compared with their speed at the start of the study the 10 seniors in the brain training group: Improved their normal walking speed (this gain was however very small and not statistically significant). Improved their walking-while-talking speed significantly. No improvement i... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4314120 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 20:45:59 +0100 4314120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4294827&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F-uEjqrPKAcM%2F This study shows once again how physical fitness is directly related to mental fitness. At all age, exercising the body benefits the brain. Interestingly, aerobic training is usually related to better cognitive performance. This new study shows that resistance training can be added to our list of exercise to do. Related posts: Physical exercise: why aerobic exercise enhances neurogenesis and neuroplasticity Walking increases brain volume and reduces risks of decline (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4294827 Tue, 28 Dec 2010 16:13:34 +0100 4294827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4277884&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FwoCX9w2aUm0%2F Ado­les­cence can be a chal­lenging time for both the ado­les­cents and the sig­nif­i­cant adults (parents, teachers) in their lives. Teenagers themselves do not always understand why they behave the way they do. Why is it difficult being a teenager or interacting with one? Why do teenagers have these typical behaviors: Risk-taking, strange sleeping habits, addiction, impulsivity, etc.? As looking at what is happening in a teenage brain can provide answers to these questions, we selected the Top 10 Resources to help you better understand the teenage brain. The major thread to navigate these resources is the concept of a brain still maturing. Indeed, an adolescent brain is not yet an adult brain. Major changes are still happening, principally in the frontal lobes (more specifically... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4277884 Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:11:20 +0100 4277884 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4272660&cid=t_356528_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F20%2Fa-year-in-review%2F This is the third year I’ve written this blog.  As the year ends, numerous people will be reviewing the year, reflecting on the good, the bad and the indifferent, and like them, I will too. What has been the same this year is the endless need to repeat to all and sundry the following: All chronic pain starts with acute pain – maybe if we were able to effectively manage risk factors for developing chronic pain in people when they first present for help with their pain, my job would be less in demand. All pain, whether acute or chronic, is a psychological experience – and can’t be understood without an appreciation of the biopsychosocial model. Because pain is a psychological experience means that we can’t divide pain into nociception and the psychological res... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4272660 Mon, 20 Dec 2010 07:22:22 +0100 4272660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4259032&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FXzPIfCIS5Y8%2F Yesterday I had the chance to chat with Yaakov Stern, leading Cognitive Reserve researcher at Columbia University, and then with a group of 25 lifelong learners in Arizona who attended a brain fitness class (hello, Robert and friends!) based on our consumer guide The SharpBrains Guide to Brain Fitness. On reflection, I found both conversations to be very stimulating for the same reason: they were forward-looking, focused not so much on status quo but on how emerging research, technology and trends may impact our society and lives in years to come. Let’s continue the conversation. Let me share the 10 main trends that we analyzed/ forecasted in our book, and then ask you, sharp readers, to add your own 2 cents to the discussion. 1. We predict an increased emphasis on brain maintenance in ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4259032 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 19:51:03 +0100 4259032 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4238012&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FtJ3OAq5ZZ_0%2F It is not easy to take care of someone suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. Quality of life for both patients and caregivers usually deteriorate as the disease progresses. This issue also has an economic side: the care provided by family members is valued at nearly $144 billion. What would happen if caregivers could not carry on anymore? As this article from the Huffington post reminds us, there is no pill to help families stay together longer, and have happier lives. However there are a growing number of non-pharmacologic interventions that could achieve this. Improving quality of life for individuals with dementia and their families is a fundamental treatment goal, but consistently receives far less attention and funding than drug research. There are a growing number of such non-pharmac... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4238012 Tue, 07 Dec 2010 16:55:14 +0100 4238012 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4233297&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FpcMYWzMw2AY%2F Given many of us are starting to prepare New Year Resolutions, let’s revisit one of SharpBrains’ most popular-ever articles that can help us all refine our Brain Fitness Resolutions… The Ten Habits of Highly Effective Brains Learn what is the “It” in “Use It or Lose It”. A basic understanding will serve you well to appreciate your brain’s beauty as a living and constantly-developing dense forest with billions of neurons and synapses. Take care of your nutrition. Did you know that the brain only weighs 2% of body mass but consumes over 20% of the oxygen and nutrients we intake? As a general rule, you don’t need expensive ultra-sophisticated nutritional supplements, just make sure you don’t stuff yourself with the “bad stuff”. Remember that the brain is part of the... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4233297 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:21:08 +0100 4233297 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214314&cid=t_356528_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=4203223&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FrfLGus2764w%2F Musicians’ brains are often used as models of neuroplasticity. Indeed, numerous studies to date have shown that musical training can change the brain. Musicians have larger brain volume in areas that are important for playing an instrument: motor, auditory and visuo-spatial regions. A recent Nature Review Neuroscience article shows that music training can benefit the brain beyond music-related abilities. Specifically, musicians may have an advantage for processing speech in challenging listening environments compared with non-musicians This effect of music training suggests that, akin to physical exercise and its impact on body fitness, music is a resource that tones the brain for auditory fitness. Therefore, the role of music in shaping individual development deserves consideration. To ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4203223 Fri, 26 Nov 2010 15:57:33 +0100 4203223 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4200632&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F5mmtPdWD4bg%2F If you’ve spent any time on YouTube over the last few years (and you know you have), you’ve likely seen the video of the invisible gorilla experiment (if you’ve somehow missed it, catch yourself up here). The researchers who conducted that study, Dan Simons and Chris Chabris, didn’t realize that they were about to create an instant classic—a psychology study mentioned alongside the greats, and known well outside the slim confines of psych wonks. Milgram taught us about our sheepish obedience to authority; Mischel used marshmallows to teach us about delayed gratification; and Simons and Chabris used a faux gorilla to teach us that we are not the masters of attention we think we are. The duo’s new book, The Invisible Gorilla, and Other Ways Our Intuitions Deceive Us, is every... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4200632 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 21:13:26 +0100 4200632 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4197211&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FmwLJROCT-s0%2F A child’s brain is a perfect example of neuroplasticity: As the child learns basic and complex skills, his or her brain changes, connections between neurons are strengthened or eliminated. Here are 10 top questions and answers to explore the developing brain and get a better window on young minds. Following the Q&A find related relevant resources (links, documentaries, and books) to go further. . 10 questions and answers about a child’s brain development Q: Does brain development depend only on genes? A: No, brain development is the result of a complex interaction between both genes and environment. Brain development begins in utero. Billions of neurons are generated. They migrate from their birthplace in the embryo to their final positions. Axons and dendrites grow and c... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4197211 Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:56:31 +0100 4197211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4190318&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FCR0HgxZGalA%2F The powerful National Association for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) has now issued a report that encourages pre-service and graduate teacher education programs to incorporate cognitive neuroscience discoveries about child and adolescent development into their curricula.  This link to a Washington Post article on this development will also get you to the NCATE report. The next obvious step would turn encouragement into curricular/accreditation requirements. That incorporation of Educational Neuroscience discoveries into educational policy and practice will shape 21st century teacher education and K-12 education in ways that are analogous to what folks such as John Dewey, B.F. Skinner, and Jean Piaget did to shape 20th century education. I would argue that this current ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4190318 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 19:18:40 +0100 4190318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4183396&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fmiilgyg-0P8%2F When I give a presentation about brain health and fitness, there are always a few people who come tell me afterward that they do crossword puzzles everyday. They heard that mental exercise is good for the brain so they are pleased and proud to report that they do the best they can to maintain their brain functions. But are they really? What if I was a gym instructor? Would the same people tell me proudly that to keep their whole body in shape they do biceps movements everyday, and that’s all they do? I DO feel like I was this gym instructor when I hear the crossword puzzles claim! Solving crossword puzzles repetitively is not the best habit for two reasons. First, the first crossword puzzles one did were truly stimulating but the marginal value declines with repetition. You may remember ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4183396 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 16:09:00 +0100 4183396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4179536&cid=t_356528_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F19%2Ffriday-funnies-41%2F It’s nearly the weekend! Time to kick back, relax and snigger. It’s true – apparently The Doors, Talking Heads and relaxation music are.. ahem… Not In Fashion Any More.  And I do wish I’d taken this advice! Filed under: Coping Skills, health, Humour, wellness Tagged: coping strategies, Friday funnies, health, Humour, relaxation, therapy (Source: HealthSkills Weblog) HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4179536 Thu, 18 Nov 2010 21:05:22 +0100 4179536 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4179403&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FbIK4cuhZ8z0%2F Discussions (Members-only links below. To Learn More and Join Council, click Here) Now let’s take a look at the great things going on with the SharpBrains Council. Council Membership 60 Council Members are already active in the Council members-only platform, bringing an excellent cross-sector participation and featuring innovative research, products, services and practices. The Member List available in the Library section includes interests and 2011 priorities, to facilitate connections. We are featuring: 7 most active Council Members: Philip Toman, Jamie Wilson, Luc Beaudoin, Joshua Steinerman, Pascale Michelon, Adam Gazzaley and Sherrie All. 7 Council Members doing great work outside the US: Peter Reiner, Veronika Litinski and David Tal in Canada; Jenny Brockis and Steve Zanon in A... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4179403 Thu, 18 Nov 2010 17:05:02 +0100 4179403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4172190&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FQ-06a2iBcN0%2F You have probably noticed the increasing amount of research and media coverage focused on “working memory”. What is working memory? Why do we care? How can we best enhance it? Working memory is the ability to keep information current in mind for a short period, while using this information for the task at hand. Working memory is supported by regions of the frontal lobes (in blue here) and parietal lobes (in yellow). Let’s take a few concrete examples to understand in which situations working memory is used. Situation 1: You are just back from your coffee break and your colleague, who is running in the hallway to catch up with the boss, tells you that Mr. Brown just called and can see you either on the 18th at 2:30pm or on the 20th at 9am. Your brain holds on to that information long... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4172190 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:11:45 +0100 4172190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4168081&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FdfcQS1SUj6s%2F CONCLUSIONS Just as the idea of hospice care revolutionized death and dying in America, the idea of bundling many aspects of Alzheimer’s care under one roof in a cognitive shop could change the way we approach this dire disease—one that has no cure and leaves no survivors. Certainly, the scope of the problem poses medical and economic risks for the country. These risks, and potential steps for a solution, were charted by the bipartisan Alzheimer Study Group in the spring of 2009. The report, issued by the Alzheimer Study Group co-chaired by former congressman Newt Gingrich and former senator Bob Kerrey, minces few words. It likens the failure to address the impact of Alzheimer’s to the failure to strengthen the levies of New Orleans against an overwhelming hurricane. “Alzheimer’... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4168081 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:25:55 +0100 4168081 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4159341&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FTd7cU2b36vA%2F This article shows once again the gap between what we know about the brain and brain health and the application of this knowledge, especially in education. To learn more about how brain sci­ence fits into national class­room cur­ric­ula read The brain in science education: What should everyone learn. And stay tuned: We will publish next week the Top Brain Book Collection for Educators and Learners! . (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4159341 Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:26:08 +0100 4159341 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4159342&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FUtytOJSwRZg%2F An excellent article by the Dana Foundation clarifies what the “Real Deficit in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder” is. Thank you to John from our Sharp­Brains’ group in LinkedIn for pointing it out. Among other things, this article shows you that attention is more complex that you probably thought: Scientists have identified at least three major components of attention that are served by discrete but integrally connected neural networks. The “alerting network” .… The “orienting network”.…executive attention.…. And that there is more than one explanation offered for the deficits observed in children with ADHD: Various other hypotheses have emerged recently in the ADHD literature .… Each of these theories offers tantalizing clues about what might be going wrong ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4159342 Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:33:54 +0100 4159342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152012&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F5PVEXty3FV4%2F A study just published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society has been much publicized recently (see for instance, this L.A. Times article). The study showed that a computer-based brain training program succeeded in reducing at-fault car crashes for older drivers. The effects of the training lasted over 6 years. This result made the news as one of the rare transfers of brain training benefits to everyday life.  Why was this training successful and not others? Probably because brain training needs to be specific and not general. If you practice playing baseball you do not expect to get better at playing basketball, right? The same is true of brain functions: If you train your language skills, do not expect to get better at memorizing numbers. Driving is quite automatic for most o... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152012 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 15:32:16 +0100 4152012 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152013&cid=t_356528_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=4152014&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FN3OunENy05o%2F This study clearly demonstrates that there is only little support for a specific Mozart effect in published as well as in unpublished work. Although results indicate a positive, significant effect of exposure to the Mozart sonata (KV 448) compared to no stimulus at all on spatial task performance, observed effects were only small in size. Moreover, exposure to other musical stimuli compared to exposure to no stimulus at all yielded a significant overall effect of about the same size…On the whole, there is little left that would support the notion of a specific enhancement of spatial task performance through exposure to the Mozart sonata KV 448.” I think the jury is in on this one: The Mozart effect is weak, at best. Maybe the question can finally be put to rest. Does this mean that m... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152014 Mon, 08 Nov 2010 17:49:09 +0100 4152014 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139350&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Feoae9ySUpJw%2F Peo­ple of all ages read SharpBrains.com, so we are prepar­ing a series of arti­cles on Brain Health across the Lifes­pan. The series will include 4 parts: The Child Brain, pub­lished in Novem­ber 2010 The Ado­les­cent Brain, in Decem­ber 2010 The Adult Brain, in Jan­u­ary 2011 The Aging Brain, in Feb­ru­ary 2011 Each part will : Include sur­pris­ing facts on how the brain works Debunk com­mons myths about cog­ni­tion and brain health Link to resources such as books and doc­u­men­taries. If you want to read these arti­cles as we pub­lish them via SharpBrains.com, you can either fol­low us in Face­book and Twit­ter or, if you have not done so already, subscribe to our monthly update (eNewsletter). Tell your friends and col­leagues about the series! (... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139350 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:43:09 +0100 4139350 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4133995&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FgzrsphtRgQo%2F (Editor’s Note: What follows is an excerpt from Dr. Robert Sylwester’s new book, A Child’s Brain. The Need for Nurture (2010) Corwin. In this excerpt, Robert Sylwester synthesizes the first 20 years of development and shows how it can be viewed as a “rhythmic four-six-four-six-year developmental sequence”) . Chapter 4: Development and Growth. The First 20 years. To simplify a complex phenomenon, we can divide our 20-year developmental trajectory into two periods of approximately 10 years each. The developmental period from birth to about age 10 focuses on learning how to be a human being – learning to move, to communicate, and to master basic social skills. The developmental period from about 11 to 20 focuses on learning how to be a productive reproductive human being – plan... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4133995 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:27:16 +0100 4133995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4133996&cid=t_356528_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=4125130&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FVatlCX5Q93U%2F Conclusions The new Purdue findings suggest that even hits not leading to concussions can affect the brain. Although the results come from a very small number of players and will have to be replicated, they are quite concerning. The study involved young high-school players whose brain is not mature yet. Their brain is thus still very plastic and seem to recover quickly, after a few month without football. But what about older players’ brains that may have less ability to compensate for blows? Previous studies have linked repeated concussion to Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia. For instance, Guskiewicz et al (2005) have found that retired professional players (average age of 53.8 years and an average football career of 6.6 years) with three or more reported concussions have a ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4125130 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:33:10 +0100 4125130 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119370&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fb68Qn7NVzbo%2F To help consumers and professionals navigate through the growing number of programs making “brain fitness” or “brain training” claims, we have published this SharpBrains Checklist: 10 Questions to Choose the Right Brain Fitness Program — and a brief explanation of why each question is important: * 1. Are there scientists, ideally neuropsychologists, and a scientific advisory board behind the program? Neuropsychologists specialize in measuring and understanding human cognition and brain structure and function. * 2. Are there published, peer-reviewed scientific papers in PubMed written by those scientists? How many? PubMed is a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine that includes millions of citations science journals. If a scientist has not published a paper that appear... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119370 Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:24:06 +0100 4119370 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119371&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fz4IpAJ-3lzg%2F You have heard that physical exercise is good for the brain. How much exercise are we talking about? Can the benefits be seen both for children and adults? In Fitter bodies = fitter brains. True at all ages? Dr. Pascale Michelon answers these questions for you, based on latest scientific studies. We need fun ways to get out the couch more and exercise both physically and cognitively. What about setting up community-based adult playgrounds, such as this one in Beijing? . New Brain Health Series People of all ages read SharpBrains.com and this monthly update, so we are preparing a series of articles on Brain Health across the Lifespan. The series will include 4 parts: The Child Brain, published in November 2010 The Adolescent Brain, in December 2010 The Adult Brain, in January 2011... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119371 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 19:03:36 +0100 4119371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4105840&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FzhPYbx7FCjA%2F Malpractice Methodology (New York Times OpEd by Peter Orszag) Right now, health care is more evidence-free than you might think. And even where evidence-based clinical guidelines exist, research suggests that doctors follow them only about half of the time. One estimate suggests that it takes 17 years on average to incorporate new research findings into widespread practice. As a result, any clinical guidelines that exist often have limited impact. How might we encourage doctors to adopt new evidence more quickly? If this is the case with health care overall, despite much progress over the last 30–40 years, imagine how worse it may be when we talk about brain health, when neuroscience and cognitive neuroscience are relatively more recent disciplines. This is a key insight to keep in m... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4105840 Mon, 25 Oct 2010 09:09:04 +0100 4105840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098204&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FzkWOaIN5aHY%2F The positive effects of exercise on brain health have been demonstrated in many studies now. The next step may be to develop low-cost programs in the community that provide appropriate support and structure for adults (especially older adults) to encourage physical activity. A great example of such program is The Adult Playground in Beijing, China (Dhand et al., 2010): Half a football field large, this space consisted of all-weather stretching and strengthening equipment such as elliptical machines, flat benches, modified leg press machines, railings at different heights, monkey bars, and arm and leg rotatory devices. The area was teeming with adults, most older than 60 years, who were not only exercising but also playing games such as Chinese hacky sack (a Chinese game from the 5th centu... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098204 Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:28:55 +0100 4098204 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098205&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FykiB0TYNRuI%2F If you have already read The SharpBrains Guide to Brain Fitness: 18 Interviews with Scientists, Practical Advice, and Product Reviews, to Keep your Brain Sharp, by Alvaro Fernandez and Dr. Elkhonon Goldberg, please take a few minutes to answer six questions folowing link below. Your feedback will ensure that future book editions are even more relevant and valuable to you. Thank you very much in advance! Take this survey If you have not read it yet, may we kindly encourage you to do so, and to let us know what you think? The book is now easily available in the USA, Canada and the UK via Amazon.com stores. To order in the USA: Print ($19.95): click Here Kindle ($9.99): click Here — To order in Canada: Print (CDN$20.5): click Here — To order in the UK: Print (GBP 12): click Here Ki... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098205 Thu, 21 Oct 2010 10:53:13 +0100 4098205 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4086391&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FFhw0Xv-nlrw%2F An interesting article in Nature Reviews last month reviewed several studies showing that cognitive intervention can be beneficial even for individuals already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease (Buschert et al., 2010). The article shows that patients with mild-to-moderate dementia can benefit from a range of cognitive interventions: from training of partially spared cognitive functions to training on activities of daily living. Results suggest that such interventions can improve global cognition, abilities of daily living and quality of life in these patients. Patients with moderate-to-severe dementia seem to benefit from general engagement in activities that enhance cognitive and social functioning in a non-specific manner. In general, for patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease,... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4086391 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 19:40:46 +0100 4086391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4082205&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FIN2bpCMHT1c%2F Anyone who knows me knows that my favorite pastime is napping. In College, I would come back to my dorm room, and like clockwork, would take a nap. My best friend in England, who got quite a kick out of my passion for napping, once tried to persuade me to drink a cup of tea after lunch instead of taking my customary nap. I really tried, but I soon gave in to my nap cravings. Sometimes I feel like I really need to re-charge my brain batteries. Well, now science is on my side. I just love this new study, which was presented by Matthew Walker, assistant professor at UC Berkeley, at the annual meeting of the American Association of the Advancement of Science (AAAS) conference in San Diego this past Sunday (Feb. 2010). Walker and his colleagues Bryce A. Mander and Sangeetha Santhanam split up a... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4082205 Mon, 18 Oct 2010 20:04:14 +0100 4082205 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4074240&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FakNcK_Url9M%2F In the latest issue of Neurology a study by Erickson et al. (2010) suggests that walking regularly can increase brain volume and reduce the risks of developing cognitive impairment. The researchers stared with 2 mains facts: Gray matter volume shrinks with age, often leading to cognitive decline. Physical exercise seems to be neuro-protector (see our previous post: Fitter bodies = fitter brains. True at all ages?) They asked 2 questions: Can physical activity assessed earlier predict gray matter volume 9 years later? Is greater gray matter volume associated with reduced risks of developing cognitive impairment? The study: 299 participants, mean age: 78, 182 female. Physical activity was assessed in 1988–1989 (baseline) = total number of blocks walked over 1 week. Cognitive function... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4074240 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 19:20:44 +0100 4074240 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4074468&cid=t_356528_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F15%2Ffriday-beauty-spot%2F For a bit of a change I’ve decided to show some of my favourite photographs, and some words to go with them – I hope you enjoy! Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  Luke 12:27 Morning Song by Sylvia Plath Love set you going like a fat gold watch. The midwife slapped your footsoles, and your bald cry Took its place among the elements. Our voices echo, magnifying your arrival. New statue. In a drafty museum, your nakedness Shadows our safety. We stand round blankly as walls. I’m no more your mother Than the cloud that distills a mirror to reflect its own slow Effacement at the wind’s hand. All night your moth-breath Flickers among the flat pink roses. I wake ... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4074468 Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:36:10 +0100 4074468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4074241&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FoYe8RXaOKMM%2F The New-York Times reports on the study published a few days ago in the Journal of Economic Perspectives, “Mental retirement”: … Data from the United States, England and 11 other European countries suggest that the earlier people retire, the more quickly their memories decline. … what aspect of work is doing that, Dr. Suzman said. “Is it the social engagement and interaction or the cognitive component of work, or is it the aerobic component of work?” he asked. “Or is it the absence of what happens when you retire, which could be increased TV watching?” Comments: This new study is another piece of evidence accumulating with more and more others suggesting that a brain healthy life-style requires constant cognitive challenge to help maintain high-level cognitive functions. Wh... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4074241 Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:58:36 +0100 4074241 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4065475&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FerRhdya4ya0%2F Quick note: I will be speaking at the UCLA Technology & Aging Conference on Friday, October 29th, in Los Angeles. Please drop me a line or introduce yourself if you are planning to attend. The Schedule features many good sessions, including one on Brain Fitness: Description: Growing scientific evidence suggests that such strategies as physical and mental exercise can improve brain health and cognitive performance. This session will review the latest research supporting brain fitness methods, highlight new cognitive training devices, and discuss the challenge of determining the effectiveness of these technologies. Speakers: Bill Reichman (Baycrest), Steven Aldrich (Posit Science), Gary & Rita Considine (Garri Productions), Alvaro Fernandez of (SharpBrains). Moderator: Gary Small (U... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4065475 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 12:30:46 +0100 4065475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4060951&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FIL5VZhBPfec%2F An article in the Wall Street Journal today, Building a More Resilient Brain, reviews the work of Dr. Bialystok and her colleagues on the benefits that bilingualism brings to the brain. Another great example of neuroplasticity. … over time, regularly speaking more than one language appears to strengthen skills that boost the brain’s so-called cognitive reserve, a capacity to work even when stressed or damaged. This build-up of cognitive reserve appears to help bilingual people as they age. … the process of speaking two or more languages appears to enable people to develop skills to better cope with the early symptoms of memory-robbing diseases, including Alzheimer’s. […] the advantages of bilingualism are thought to be related to a brain function known as inhibitory or cognitive ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4060951 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 18:22:46 +0100 4060951 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4055827&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F9mHY5I3qG84%2F Brain training does not necessarily mean computerized games. For instance, mediation may be a great tool to train your brain. Different parts of the brain support different functions. One function, central to many of our actions, is “attention”. Attention can be defined as the ability to sustain concentration on a particular object, action, or thought. It can also be defined as the ability to manage competing demands in our environment.connections between neurons, die. In the brain it is supported mainly by neuronal networks in the parietal (yellow in the figure) and frontal (blue in the figure) lobes. What can be done to maintain and boost such a fundamental ability? Dr. Andrew Newberg (Associate Professor in the Department of Radiology and Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvani... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4055827 Mon, 11 Oct 2010 19:05:03 +0100 4055827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040665&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fg4XAb75O0g8%2F (Editor’s Note: we are pleased to bring you this arti­cle thanks to our col­lab­o­ra­tion with Greater Good Mag­a­zine). The Neuroscience of Happiness Best-selling author Rick Hanson explains how we can rewire our brains for lasting happiness By Michael Bergeisen We’ve all been there: obsessing over a faux pas we committed at a party, infuriated by an unkind word from a colleague, ruminating over a tough break-up with a spouse or friend. We suffer some misfortune—big or small, real or imagined—and the pain or humiliation sticks with us for hours, days, or even years afterward. “The mind is like Velcro for negative experiences,” psychologist Rick Hanson is fond of saying, “and Teflon for positive ones.” But it doesn’t have to be this way. Drawing on some of the l... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040665 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 17:23:42 +0100 4040665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4036790&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FzRjTTh4vKtw%2F (Editor’s Note: what follows is an excerpt from Dr. Gary Small and Gigi Vorgan’s new book, The Naked Lady Who Stood on Her Head: A Psychiatrist’s Stories of His Most Bizarre Cases) CHAPTER TEN Brain Fog Summer 1990 Gigi and I had moved to Studio City, about a forty-minute commute to UCLA. On weekends, we often went to the movies at Universal CityWalk, a replication of Los Angeles within Los Angeles. Why people couldn’t just walk down the real streets of Los Angeles made no sense to me, yet there we were, on a Friday evening, eating ice cream and strolling down a simulated street. We had just seen Total Recall, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s new sciencefiction film about a construction worker who undergoes a false memory transplant that takes him on an imaginary trip to Mars. But... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4036790 Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:05:41 +0100 4036790 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031368&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FB6qLbobY-Ng%2F Welcome to Grand Rounds, the weekly col­lec­tion of best health and med­ical blog posts. This week we invite you to enjoy a broad range of insights, tips, and first-hand stories, presented as a Q&A conversation with bloggers willing to answer, below, a total of 22 good questions. On Health and Medicine What can one-word prescriptions deliver How does food processing change food´s nutritional value Can diet Increases Risk of ADHD Is alcoholism an illness What´s better: steady dete­ri­o­ra­tion over 10 years, or symp­tom-free life for 9 years fol­lowed by rapid dete­ri­o­ra­tion in year 10 On Patient Life As we talk about wellness…what about developing self-compassion Can patients with chronic pain still live a full life What is the patient-doctor etiquette for usin... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031368 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 11:19:13 +0100 4031368 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031369&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FNPfq3hdmzOk%2F Neurofeedback Gains Popularity and Lab Attention (New York Times) The treatment is also gaining attention from mainstream researchers, including some former skeptics. The National Institute of Mental Health recently sponsored its first study of neurofeedback for A.D.H.D.: a randomized, controlled trial of 36 subjects. The results are to be announced Oct. 26 at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. In an interview in the summer, the study’s director, Dr. L. Eugene Arnold, an emeritus professor of psychiatry at Ohio State, noted that there had been “quite a bit of improvement” in many of the children’s behavior, as reported by parents and teachers. Comment: The article provides a good overview, and points out one of the main bottlenecks for w... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031369 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 07:26:16 +0100 4031369 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031370&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fl6wxN32Q4nc%2F The results of recently published studies suggest that fitter children also have fitter brains. It looks like exer­cis­ing your body pro­motes brain health. Is this true at all ages? How does it work? How much exercise should we do? Physical activity and brain health in children An emerging literature suggests that physical activity and high levels of aerobic fitness during childhood  may enhance cognition. In the 2 most recent studies by Kramer and colleagues (2010), the cognitive performance and the brains of higher-fit and lower-fit 9– and 10-year-old children were examined. In one study, fitter children did better than less fit children in a task requiring to ignore irrelevant information and attend to relevant cues. Fitter children also had larger basal ganglia (more specificall... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031370 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:24:04 +0100 4031370 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4023033&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FbHoojoc7mTc%2F Read this recent Scientific American article showing clearly how the brain can change based on our daily experiences and actions: … a new study in the journal Brain Research demonstrates that […] birth control pills have structural effects on regions of the brain that govern higher-order cognitive activities … Whereas the subtle structural effects of naturally-occurring steroid hormones and sex differences in the brain have been extensively studied, few studies have examined the role of synthetic hormones on changes in the human brain.  What happens, then, when the female brain gets a significant and artificial dose of steroid hormone, either progesterone, estrogen or both? […] It appears that the brain, that sensitive organ replete with steroid receptors, reacts to its hormonal m... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4023033 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:59:16 +0100 4023033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4018289&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F5gc1INDGsDw%2F You may find that too much media coverage on how to take good care of our brains is confusing, if not potentially misleading. In The True Story — is mental exercise good, bad, or irrelevant, Dr. Pascale Michelon dissects for you a recent large study which was largely reported as bad news when in fact it brings good news (no miracles, but good news).  We hope you enjoy her insightful analysis — and all the excellent articles that follow in the September edition of our monthly eNewsletter covering cognitive health and brain fitness topics. Please remember that you can use the box in the right column to subscribe and receive this newsletter via email. Do you Mind Dear sapiens sapiens, do you mind: Dr. Joshua Steinerman encourages you to ask yourself the tough ques­tions: Do you mind ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4018289 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 11:06:29 +0100 4018289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4018290&cid=t_356528_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=4013347&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fczf-MSXQ8Qw%2F Excellent article about an emerging “small revolution” in mental health care: Marientina Gotsis, media lab manager at USC, started thinking about designing apps with therapeutic potential when she realized that her phone had joined her wallet and keys on the small list of things she never left home without. “It’s what keeps people connected, functional, feeling safe and entertained. So why not use what people hold on to close to deliver behavioral interventions?” It’s the kind of innovation that Kathleen Carroll, a psychology professor at Yale, says may be a “small revolution” in mental health care. These apps are part of the “brain fitness” industry, a category that includes computerized memory exercises and cognitive-impairment assessment programs, and that SharpBrain... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4013347 Tue, 28 Sep 2010 12:39:00 +0100 4013347 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999122&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FuLupDq044fc%2F We are pleased to announce the beta launch of the SharpBrains Council for Brain Fitness Innovation, the first global cross-sector community and platform designed to support innovators committed to the cognitive health and brain fitness of their constituents/ clients/ patients/ employees. Members of this invitation-only Council will be able to learn, share, collaborate and innovate leveraging a new members-only online platform. Keep reading here. (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999122 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:04:21 +0100 3999122 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999123&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FnOfXftJe7Tc%2F I recently reported on an intriguing study examining the impact of an herbal treatment for youth with ADHD. Results from this randomized-controlled trial were quite promising and consistent with the idea that some individuals with ADHD have deficiencies in essential nutrients that compromise healthy brain development and result in ADHD symptoms. This idea has sparked the long-standing debate about whether dietary factors play an important role in the development of ADHD, at least for some children, and led to many studies of this issue. Although results of these studies elude any simple conclusions, dietary factors do appear to contribute to ADHD symptoms in some individuals. Some have argued that research on the relationship between diet and ADHD is more important than ever because the di... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999123 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:11:04 +0100 3999123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3994118&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FebOYCtuF2U4%2F Ask yourself the tough questions: Do you mind your brain? Do you know your noggin’? Can you claim cerebral ownership or is your mental a rental? Although these questions are relevant at virtually all lifespan stages, firm answers can sometimes appear inconceivable.  Unfortunately with advancing age, attention to mental performance is often either abandoned or framed in terms of perceived impairment and decline.  Now, I have previously shared my message on minding the aging brain with SharpBrains readers.  As a cognitive neuropsychiatrist primarily interested in later-life phenomena, I tend to stick to my area of expertise.  Nevertheless, whether you are elder or not, I implore you to take these ideas to heart…do you mind? Just as brain fitness is for all, aging is similarly univers... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3994118 Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:41:02 +0100 3994118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3994119&cid=t_356528_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=3987142&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FfidZ9tUwotE%2F For an excellent review of the most recent findings on learning habits, check out The New York Times recent article: Forget What You Know About Good Study Habits. Tons of unexpected and fascinating results! The findings can help anyone, from a fourth grader doing long division to a retiree taking on a new language. But they directly contradict much of the common wisdom about good study habits, and they have not caught on. For instance, instead of sticking to one study location, simply alternating the room where a person studies improves retention. Take the notion that children have specific learning styles, that some are “visual learners” and others are auditory; some are “left-brain” students, others “right-brain.” In a recent review of the relevant research, published in the ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3987142 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:52:45 +0100 3987142 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3980913&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F4lcTn0h0gTo%2F This study is different from the previous ones showing that healthy people who are cognitively active have lower risks of developing dementia for one major reason: It assessed the fate of cognitively active individuals who have been diagnosed with dementia. This stresses an important point: cognitive activity helps delay the emergence of dementia but doesn’t prevent it completely. The results of the study confirmed that cognitive activity prior to dementia onset is protective: the annual rate of global cognitive decline for people who had no cognitive impairment was reduced by 52% for each additional point on the cognitive activity scale. This means that individuals who had high cognitive activity scores showed delayed decline. Overall these individuals declined more slowly than individu... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3980913 Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:30:48 +0100 3980913 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3976591&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FHd6O6y9ycUw%2F Inter­est­ing arti­cle on The Dana Foundation website on how to monitor cognitive decline in the brain in the very early stages of Alzheimer’s: Functional MRI May Be Useful for Monitoring Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (Dana Foundation) Alzheimer’s researchers have long wanted to find better ways not only to diagnose the disease but also to monitor its progression from the earliest stages. A new study suggests that functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), a technique currently used mainly for neuroscience research or to guide brain surgery, could be useful in this clinical role. […] an elegant and thought-provoking study. (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3976591 Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:24:36 +0100 3976591 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3965548&cid=t_356528_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=3938421&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FncOsKc_7GXs%2F Many parents, health care professionals, and educators agree that there is a pressing need to develop effective treatments for ADHD to complement or substitute for traditional medication and behavior therapy approaches. This is because such treatments do not work for everyone, important difficulties often remain even when these treatments are effective, and evidence for the long-term benefits of these treatments remains less compelling than one would like. In addition, in the case of medication treatment, some individuals experience intolerable side effects and many have concerns about taking ADHD medication for an extended period. One alternative approach to treating ADHD has relied on the use of Compound Herbal Preparations (CHP) derived from traditional Chinese medicine. Practitioners o... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3938421 Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:05:56 +0100 3938421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3929468&cid=t_356528_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F09%2F03%2Ffriday-funnies-37%2F I’m not running out of ideas, just running out of time, so today’s FF’s are not original.  If anyone is the copyright owner of these and doesn’t want them on here, please let me know – they’ve arrived (usually) via someone else’s email! Working in a sometimes management-heavy workplace I wonder if there is a manual that tells managers to use the word ‘team’… Can you tell how much Manly Jack loves me? he thought this would be a good idea… And if you’re looking for some total idiocy for the day, head to ‘Sleep Talkin’ Man’ – this man makes more sense asleep than some of our politicians do when they’re wide awake! I’m off to our favourite spot north of Christchurch – here’s... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3929468 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:36:58 +0100 3929468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3907799&cid=t_356528_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F27%2Ffriday-funnies-36%2F It’s Friday here in Christchurch – only a few more jobs to do and then it’s gin and tonic time! I could not resist this – so my apologies to anyone who groans as a result. It’s not my fault I was raised with one of the world’s worst punsters… And I know, this is sad but oh so true… Never get between me and my coffee cup. Never. Filed under: health, Humour, Resilience, wellness Tagged: Friday funnies, funny, relaxation, Resilience, therapy (Source: HealthSkills Weblog) HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3907799 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:54:33 +0100 3907799 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3865349&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fpf6WYPAVZos%2F Very interesting article in the New York Times on the reasons behind growing research of how to detect Alzheimer’s Disease: Rare Sharing of Data Leads to Progress on Alzheimer’s (New York Times) (Situation before) Scientists were looking for biomarkers, but they were not getting very far. “The problem in the field was that you had many different scientists in many different universities doing their own research with their own patients and with their own methods,” said Dr. Michael W. Weiner of the San Francisco Department of Veterans Affairs, who directs ADNI. “Different people using different methods on different subjects in different places were getting different results, which is not surprising. What was needed was to get everyone together and to get a common data set.” (Si... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3865349 Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:05:51 +0100 3865349 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3862102&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FE76ruBRg4FI%2F Brain fitness programs may help weak elderly walk faster (press release) A study led by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University has found preliminary evidence that brain fitness programs may help frail elderly walk faster, potentially preventing disability and improving quality of life. For walking while talking — which requires considerably more concentration than normal walking — the seniors who took computer training notably improved compared with their initial speeds. By contrast, no improvement in walking speed was observed for the control group. (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3862102 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:53:03 +0100 3862102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3845187&cid=t_356528_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=3772345&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FjLsVNwDrhXw%2F This study established the methodologies that made possible the effective scientific study of the efficacy of psychotherapies. The evidence base and of such treatments as CBT, DBT, Motivational Enhancement Treatment and other evidence-based psychotherapies derives directly from this study and its seminal influence. This was a contribution to the science of Clinical Treatment Development research. I would say that my major interest, however, has been in the next step, the science of knowledge transfer. There has been and remains a long and costly (in terms particularly of unnecessary suffering) lag between the development of new knowledge and its common and effective use in practice. In order the help the field moved forward, I have worked for the last 20 years in the development and implem... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3772345 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:07:21 +0100 3772345 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3718720&cid=t_356528_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F02%2Ffriday-funnies-30%2F Things SuperTherapist hoped she hadn’t said out loud… Exhausted by her efforts to restrain herself…SuperTherapist wishes everyone a restful weekend. Filed under: health, Humour, Resilience, wellness Tagged: Friday funnies, jokes, supertherapist (Source: HealthSkills Weblog) HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3718720 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 03:09:21 +0100 3718720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3706778&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FxiHveFhb7SE%2F In spite of the recent economic downturn, revenues for digital technologies to assess, enhance and treat cognition, or digital brain health and fitness tools, grew 35% in 2009. “The convergence of demographic and policy trends with cognitive neuroscience discoveries and technological innovation is giving birth to a nascent marketplace that can fundamentally transform what brain health is, how it is measured, and how it is done,” says Alvaro Fernandez, member of the World Economic Forum’s Council on the Aging Society and Editor-in-Chief of the report. “This groundbreaking report can help pioneers shape the emerging toolkit to benefit an aging society that increasingly seeks new ways to enhance cognitive functionality and mental wellness across the lifespan.” &#... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3706778 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:26:58 +0100 3706778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3699606&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F9kuPOAPPJdk%2F We define Brain Fitness as having the brain-based cognitive, emotional and self-regulation capacities required to succeed in one’s environment. Not everyone is exposed to the same mental demands nor do we all have the same starting points. This means we need to stop looking for ‘magic pills’ and invest more resources in developing toolkits and infrastructure similar to what the physical fitness industry has done over the last 30-40 years. The following question guides much of our work at SharpBrains: “What tools provide the right kind of experience to refine our brains from a structural and functional point of view to harness neuroplasticity into real-world benefits?” We try to provide good information and answers by constantly monitoring and analyzing the state of science and th... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3699606 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:31:12 +0100 3699606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695832&cid=t_356528_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F25%2Ffriday-funnies-29%2F At the end of a long hard week, there’s something lovely about thinking ‘One more job to do and it’s Gin & Tonic time!’.  Which brings me rather rapidly to today’s tips from Supertherapist.  I couldn’t possibly admit to being in any need of her advice, but you may know one or two people who could benefit from remembering the wisdom brought to you from experience. Remember, when speaking to certain doctors, do NOT say “Aw, did I step on your poor little bitty ego?” When conversing with managers, NEVER say “I’m trying to imagine you with a personality.” In supervision, be cautious about saying “I just want revenge. Is that so wrong?” To the woman from Human Resources, avoid mentioning “Is it time for yo... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695832 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:16:44 +0100 3695832 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683912&cid=t_356528_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F22%2Fwhat-obstacles-get-in-the-way-of-self-managing-chronic-pain%2F Learning to manage pain using self management strategies ain’t easy – as we know, changing habits and doing things differently is not something any of us do without a bit of effort. It’s especially difficult when life in general is full of challenges, but so much more so when pain is the problem,you have a mood disorder that saps your energy and when other people (even health professionals!) challenge your decision to manage pain independently. There are even some researchers who would say that using self management strategies is not all that important – after all, after about a year, many people don’t use any of the new skills, but still feel differently about pain anyway (Curran, Williams and Potts, 2009). The Stepped Care for Affective Disorders and Musculo... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3683912 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 19:38:18 +0100 3683912 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683747&cid=t_356528_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=3671878&cid=t_356528_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=3666082&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FWewc7Opte04%2F Intellectual Enrichment Helped Preserve Memory and Learning in Multiple Sclerosis Patients, Study Says (WebMD) “A small study of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients shows that maintaining an intellectually active lifestyle can help preserve learning and memory, even among patients with a high degree of brain damage.” “Although there’s no indication that being mentally engaged protects against brain damage itself, the findings do suggest that an active mind may be better equipped to retain its functions even in the event of brain damage.” “The findings suggest that enriching activities may build a person’s ‘cognitive reserve,’ which can be thought of as a buffer against disease-related memory impairment,” says study author James Sumowski, Ph... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3666082 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:17:48 +0100 3666082 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3652713&cid=t_356528_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F11%2Ffriday-funnies-27%2F Just about time to say adieu to the week and rock on to the weekend! Two very philosophical posts today: Yeah, oldies – but goodies! This is topical given the assignments I’ve just marked and the exams that will be coming along in a fortnight! I’m guessing that wasn’t recently… Enjoy your weekend preparations! Filed under: health, Humour, Resilience, wellness Tagged: blokes, cats, Friday funnies, Humour, laugh (Source: HealthSkills Weblog) HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3652713 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 21:00:39 +0100 3652713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607662&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F4LM9fpoeyVs%2F Let me now share what the Judging Panel and the SharpBrains team found most impressive from each Winner and Finalist of the 2010 Brain Fitness Innovation Awards, accompanied by some additional information on each of these 10 noteworthy initiatives and case studies. Grand Prize Winner USA Hockey, Inc., is the National Governing Body of the sport of ice hockey in the United States. With a membership of nearly 600,000 players, coaches, officials and volunteers that span all 50 states, USA Hockey seeks to promote the growth of hockey and provide the best possible experience for all participants by encouraging, developing, advancing and administering the sport. Project Scope: The National Team Development Program (NTDP), a USA Hockey body, is a full-time development program aimed at preparing ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607662 Fri, 28 May 2010 04:04:56 +0100 3607662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3552426&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FsCwFViMSU2I%2F In conclusion In conclusion, in my opinion, the Owen et al. (2010) study contributes to the literature on computerized brain training, by showing that a substantial number of individuals can be recruited to participate, with a wide range of actual amount of practice, and that transfer as measured did not occur in tasks measured as spans, but did show small effects similar to that of drug effects on the one test measured as number correct. Transfer effects have been observed in studies with older adults as well as younger ones in more controlled research environments; it remains to be seen whether the data collected by the Nature study authors on older adults, which were not included in the published article, will show different results. Obviously, few studies in general have been conducted... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3552426 Mon, 10 May 2010 23:11:43 +0100 3552426 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3533973&cid=t_356528_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FEMVgEyM-q80%2F We are honored to count on such a distinguished, interdisciplinary and forward-looking Innovation Awards Judging Panel (please judge for yourself!), thanks to the participation of: Baba Shiv, Professor at Stanford Business School, conducts research on consumer decision making and decision neuroscience, with specific emphasis on the neurological underpinnings of emotion and motivation in decision making. His recent work examines the potential for nonconscious placebo effects related to pricing. He is currently the editor of the Journal of Consumer Research and sits on the editorial board of the Journal of Consumer Psychology and the Journal of Marketing Research. Bill Tucker, Managing Director at Education Sector, is a social entrepreneur who has founded and led both nonprofit organizations... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3533973 Wed, 05 May 2010 04:59:21 +0100 3533973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519572&cid=t_356528_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