Category Archives: Brain Function

COPD patients are twice as likely to develop mild cognitive impairment and memory loss. The researchers looked at nearly 2,000 people aged 70 to 89. Of the participants, 1,600 were cognitively normal and 317 had mild cognitive impairment. Overall, 288 had COPD. It turned out that COPD patients were almost twice as likely to develop ...click here to read more

Dementia is an umbrella term referring to cognitive decline. There isn’t just one type of dementia, and knowing which type a person has can help aid in treatment. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, but it is definitely not the only one. Below you will find a quick reference guide to the ...click here to read more

Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder associated with hallucinations, paranoia, lost touch with reality, and an inability to express emotions. The most common treatment for schizophrenia is with medications such as antipsychotic drugs, but natural remedies can also go a long way in treating schizophrenia. Often known as alternative or complementary therapy, natural remedies for ...click here to read more

Cognitive decline in older adults may be slowed with better oral hygiene and regular dental visits. The researchers reviewed data from cross-sectional and longitudinal studies conducted between 1993 and 2013. Some studies found that oral health measures like the number of teeth, the number of cavities, and the presence of periodontal disease were associated with ...click here to read more

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive ailment that affects the nervous system and thus movement. In many individuals, the first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are mild, such as tremors in one hand, but the most common signs are stiffness and slowing of movement. Research shows that in people with Parkinson’s, nerve cells in the brain gradually ...click here to read more

Alzheimer’s disease is a condition which gradually steals a person’s memories and abilities. As the disease progresses, a person becomes increasingly forgetful and their ability to care for themselves becomes greatly reduced. It’s important for caregivers to understand the stages and progression of Alzheimer’s disease, so they can better prepare themselves for what is ahead ...click here to read more

Dementia can negatively impact a person’s life in numerous ways, including their driving ability. That is why it’s important to recognize cognitive factors that can prevent safe driving in older adults in order to reduce negative outcomes such as accidents. Nearly half of drivers on the road today are over the age of 65, and ...click here to read more

Antidepressant therapy may vary among the elderly with late-life depression, as it becomes more difficult to treat the older the individual is. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, examined longitudinal patterns of changes in depressive symptoms in those who were prescribed antidepressant therapy. Lead author of the study Stephen F. Smagula said, “Elderly patients with ...click here to read more

There are different types of depression with varying severity of symptoms and longevity. Some may only appear in episodes, while others stay around for life. Types of depression include major depression, dysthymia, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, psychotic depression, postpartum depression, situational depression, and atypical depression. Dysthymia (chronic depression) – although mild – lasts a ...click here to read more

Catatonic schizophrenia refers to a certain complex of symptoms that a schizophrenic patient may develop. This may be manifested in hardly moving or failing to follow directions. Alternatively, a patient may also experience something called catatonic excitement, characterized by extreme motor activity such as mimicking sounds and movements. Only some patients develop catatonic schizophrenia, with ...click here to read more

Schizophrenia is linked to an increased intensity of tobacco smoking, with low smoking cessation rates among schizophrenic patients, compared to the general population. Researcher and lead author of the study Stéphane Potvin said, “Smoking is a real problem for people with schizophrenia. Their health and life expectancy are often undermined by this addiction, whose brain ...click here to read more

Nicotine given independently from tobacco may help ward off Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease. It is a common knowledge that tobacco and tobacco products are bad for your health, but new research findings suggest that nicotine alone may offer protective properties to the brain. The researchers added nicotine to the drinking water of the study animals. ...click here to read more

Sleep is an important aspect of health, and you probably know this. This is why you’re so frustrated each night when you’re left tossing and turning instead of enjoying a restful night’s sleep. Lack of sleep doesn’t just leave you tired the next day, it can actually take a serious toll on many aspects of ...click here to read more

In schizophrenia patients, a structured education program may help reduce weight. Schizophrenics face a higher risk of weight gain and obesity, and are more likely to develop diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, weight gain may be a reason why patients stop taking their medications, increasing the risk of relapse. On the other hand, reducing weight ...click here to read more