The external signs of aging are all pretty familiar to us. Graying hair, more wrinkles, and problems with memory are all common parts of the aging process. However, what exactly happens to the brain as we age is still very unknown. Experts have theories surrounding neurological diseases. But at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, they have developed a new way of imaging the brain and its complexities. Scientists are calling [...]
These days, there are a growing number of websites and self-help books explaining the many benefits of meditation. Often, they describe benefits such as increased awareness, lowered stress, and improved mood. Meditation has even been proven to help with various medical conditions. However, there is still some debate as far as meditation for cognitive function. Can it help? Scientists are unsure whether a regular meditation practice can improve the normal [...]
"The first person to one day be cured of Alzheimer's is alive today." After 58 year old Judi Polak was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, this became her mantra. The specialists they consulted were pretty pessimistic about Judi's prognosis. But Judi wanted to fight her disease. Therefore, when she heard of a groundbreaking new clinical trial aimed at treating Alzheimer's, she immediately signed up to participate. While the treatment is still in [...]
At 97 years old, Professor John B. Goodenough is still filling the world with energy. Along with his two colleagues, he pioneered the lithium-ion battery in the 1970's. These are currently used in rechargeable devices like laptops and cellphones. This life-changing innovation made the German-born engineering professor officially the oldest person to win the Nobel Prize. Dallas News describes this extraordinary man. The Nobel Foundation even claims Goodenough and his [...]
Music is an important part of human culture and life. It has the ability to bring joy, motivation, focus, and other emotions. But did you know music therapy can improve issues affecting seniors? It could be high blood pressure, Alzheimer's, or sleep apnea. Regardless, music has the power to literally shift hormones and neurotransmitters. Therefore, it's no wonder many healthcare providers are now prescribing music therapy for seniors. This article [...]
Many chronic or fatal diseases can cause depression. This makes perfect sense. Especially in diseases that affect the brain, like dementia. It's common knowledge that depression can be effectively treated with antidepressant medications. Of course, this is a great option for those affected. However, in the elderly population, more caution is advised when taking medications. Whether or not there is a link between antidepressants and dementia is an open debate. [...]
Alzheimer's is a global epidemic. Fifty million people are affected worldwide. In addition, Parkinson's disease, another neuro-degenerative disease, affects nearly ten million. The research being done on these two devastating diseases revolves around finding medications. Yet new scientific research suggests that metabolic health in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's could be part of the answer. Specifically, insulin resistance. Fixing these metabolic issues may lead to better treatments and prevention. Psychology Today talks [...]
Alzheimer's disease is more common than you think. This devastating disease impacts many lives. Not only the patients are affected, but their families and friends as well. In Arizona alone, there are an estimated 140,000 people living with Alzheimer's disease. Although many of our clients and their families already deal with the effects of it, it's important to know the facts. Through awareness and knowledge, research and advances in treatment [...]
We have treatments and medications for some of the world's most debilitating diseases. Yet finding Alzheimer's drugs is not easy at all. The problem is not that we aren't trying. The brain is an extremely complex organ and is not easily accessible. Finding Alzheimer's drugs is a challenge for many reasons. It may seem frustrating to those affected by the disease. We are able to come up with drugs for [...]
