In an interview seen recently on television, Daniel Amen, M.D., clinical neuroscientist and adult and child psychologist was talking about his book 'Change Your Brain and Change Your Life'. His book is not only for those suffering from brain injury but apparently has information for everyone on how to increase the potential of our brains.
The following are some things that Dr. Amen claims can improve our brains now but will also lower our risk for Alzheimer's disease in later life:
- to exercise at least four times a week for a minimum of twenty minutes, preferably cardiocvascular exercises;
- to eat a diet high in vegetables (particularly the most colorful vegetables), fruit and fish but little or no red meat;
- to take omega 3 fish oil supplements;
- to take a daily multi-vitamin supplement;
- to eat blueberries (top of the list), cranberries and walnuts;
- to get a minimum of at least seven hours of sleep each night;
- to relax through meditation; and
-to drink a lot of water.
He also recommended that in order to be physically and mentally healthy throughout our lives drinking alcohol to excess and smoking also increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease down the road.
Not only will doing the above, according to Dr. Amen, reduce our risk of Alzheimer's disease, but it will also help those who suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder, who are obsessive-compulsive, who have negative thought patterns or inflexibility in their thinking.
Taken from another source is the suggestion that honey and cinnamon when taken together can increase alertness and vitality.
It is important to start looking after our brains as young as possible but as Dr. Amen points out, it is also never too late to start.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The Effects of Marijuana on the Brain
Although there are a few positive aspects to the use of marijuana such as assisting and controlling pain and its use for cancer and AIDS patients, according to my research there are more negative than positive issues related to it. The following are some of the harmful, and not so harmful, effects of using marijuana:
- Marijuana can hinder the memory. While under the influence of marijuana, new information may not register and could be lost from memory.
- It can have a harmful affect on the central nervous system.
- It can affect the emotions causing depression, chronic anxiety or panic attacks in some people.
- Some users may be affected in such a way that one minute they will be laughing uncontrollably and in the next may be experiencing feelings of paranoia.
- It can trigger severe mental disturbances, particularly in the case where a brain has already been seriously hampered as in the case of someone who has suffered a brain injury, is schizophrenic or has a bipolar disorder.
- In some cases, and with repeated heavy usage, it can damage nerve cells.
- It could possibly contribute to cognitive impairment, while using, which will make learning difficult.
- It can cause psychotic reactions such as delusions or hallucinations.
- It may have an affect, on some users, on concentration abilities and distort perceptions, particularly as it relates to time.
- Usage of marijuana will slow the reflexes and reaction times thereby interfering with driving abilities.
- It can affect the release of dopamine which has the potential of creating medical problems.
Although some believe that those who use marijuana are more at risk for becoming addicted to harder drugs, in a 2006 United Kingdom government report, it was stated that they considered it to be less dangerous than tobacco, prescription drugs or alcohol.
Besides its ability to control pain, further research indicates that it can help to reduce stress, increase the libido and creativity, encourage philosophical thinking, enhance enjoyment of food and music and inhibit aggression, in some people.
But when looking at the issue of marijuana usage as a whole, the harmful effects to the brain seem to heavily outweigh any benefits there may be to the user.
- Marijuana can hinder the memory. While under the influence of marijuana, new information may not register and could be lost from memory.
- It can have a harmful affect on the central nervous system.
- It can affect the emotions causing depression, chronic anxiety or panic attacks in some people.
- Some users may be affected in such a way that one minute they will be laughing uncontrollably and in the next may be experiencing feelings of paranoia.
- It can trigger severe mental disturbances, particularly in the case where a brain has already been seriously hampered as in the case of someone who has suffered a brain injury, is schizophrenic or has a bipolar disorder.
- In some cases, and with repeated heavy usage, it can damage nerve cells.
- It could possibly contribute to cognitive impairment, while using, which will make learning difficult.
- It can cause psychotic reactions such as delusions or hallucinations.
- It may have an affect, on some users, on concentration abilities and distort perceptions, particularly as it relates to time.
- Usage of marijuana will slow the reflexes and reaction times thereby interfering with driving abilities.
- It can affect the release of dopamine which has the potential of creating medical problems.
Although some believe that those who use marijuana are more at risk for becoming addicted to harder drugs, in a 2006 United Kingdom government report, it was stated that they considered it to be less dangerous than tobacco, prescription drugs or alcohol.
Besides its ability to control pain, further research indicates that it can help to reduce stress, increase the libido and creativity, encourage philosophical thinking, enhance enjoyment of food and music and inhibit aggression, in some people.
But when looking at the issue of marijuana usage as a whole, the harmful effects to the brain seem to heavily outweigh any benefits there may be to the user.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
The Long Road Ahead for Gabrielle Giffords
No one knows how hard that road will be to travel better than Gabrielle Giffords. And even she doesn't know because it's an unfamiliar and uncharted road with no one, including herself, knowing what pitfalls there are going to be ahead or what the real extent of her brain injury will be.
Will her personality change? The Gabby Giffords that those who know her are familiar with would no doubt plunge fearlessly into the unknown territory of this challenge and fight to get better. But is she the same Gabby? Will she still have a smile on her face and an answer for the constituents she is representing? It will take time for that to be known by her medical team as well as by Gabby and her family.
One news source said she was recuperating from her traumatic brain injury. Anyone who has been involved with or has worked with someone who has suffered from a brain injury knows that no one 'recuperates' from one. They will improve, they will adapt and adjust and they will learn to cope but they don't recuperate. And at the very least, most will be left with some deficits. It is a tough road to walk and the hard work she is facing should not be forgotten or ignored when hearing news articles that appear to negate the extreme seriousness of her situation.
No two brain injuries are the same. Those with determination and the motivation to push themselves will definitely be ahead of the game. Also, if Gabby Giffords is fortunate enough to receive cognitive therapy and treatment as soon as possible, I feel very positive about her future outcome. I have seen first-hand the positive results of early therapy.
For more information about brain injuries go to:
- Lash & Associates Publishing/Training Inc. www.lapublishing.com
- The National Resource Center for Traumatic Brain Injury www.neuro.pmr.vcu.edu
- Brain Injury News and Information Blog www.BrainInjury.blogs.com
- Northeast Center for Special Care
- Brain Injury Association of North America www.biausa.org
I wish Gabrielle Giffords success as she faces her biggest challenge yet. She has a lot of things on her side though – her relatively young age, her strong personality (as evidenced by what she has already been able to accomplish in her life), and hopefully a determined spirit. Best wishes to Gabby and her family and to everyone who has suffered a traumatic brain injury.
Will her personality change? The Gabby Giffords that those who know her are familiar with would no doubt plunge fearlessly into the unknown territory of this challenge and fight to get better. But is she the same Gabby? Will she still have a smile on her face and an answer for the constituents she is representing? It will take time for that to be known by her medical team as well as by Gabby and her family.
One news source said she was recuperating from her traumatic brain injury. Anyone who has been involved with or has worked with someone who has suffered from a brain injury knows that no one 'recuperates' from one. They will improve, they will adapt and adjust and they will learn to cope but they don't recuperate. And at the very least, most will be left with some deficits. It is a tough road to walk and the hard work she is facing should not be forgotten or ignored when hearing news articles that appear to negate the extreme seriousness of her situation.
No two brain injuries are the same. Those with determination and the motivation to push themselves will definitely be ahead of the game. Also, if Gabby Giffords is fortunate enough to receive cognitive therapy and treatment as soon as possible, I feel very positive about her future outcome. I have seen first-hand the positive results of early therapy.
For more information about brain injuries go to:
- Lash & Associates Publishing/Training Inc. www.lapublishing.com
- The National Resource Center for Traumatic Brain Injury www.neuro.pmr.vcu.edu
- Brain Injury News and Information Blog www.BrainInjury.blogs.com
- Northeast Center for Special Care
- Brain Injury Association of North America www.biausa.org
I wish Gabrielle Giffords success as she faces her biggest challenge yet. She has a lot of things on her side though – her relatively young age, her strong personality (as evidenced by what she has already been able to accomplish in her life), and hopefully a determined spirit. Best wishes to Gabby and her family and to everyone who has suffered a traumatic brain injury.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Memory Loss - Some Important Things to Know
When determining that someone is suffering from memory loss, it is necessary to know what the symptoms are and to discover the cause. The next important thing to know is how to prevent memory loss and to decide on the best avenue to take to slow down the symptoms.
Some of the symptoms of memory loss are:
- an inability to recall events over a short period of time;
- forgetting names, dates and appointments;
- getting lost even in a familiar neighbourhood;
- having difficulty comprehending and completing tasks previously familiar with;
- there may be some confusion relating to memory;
- will worsen as a person becomes tired.
Some of the possible causes of memory loss are:
- the aging process (in the normal aging process, a person will still continue to function normally);
- traumatic brain injuries or brain damage caused from strokes;
- Parkinson's or Huntington's disease, Lyme disease and HIV/AIDS;
- early dimentia or Alzheimers;
- some drugs such as statins, chemotherapy, or vitamin deficiencies;
- certain types of seizures;
- depression;
- alcohol abuse.
How someone suffering from memory loss can help themselves:
- it is important to spend time with people to help keep mind active;
- read the newspaper and keep up with current events;
- try to learn a new skill;
- it is necessary to get lots of rest;
- it is important to have a nutritional diet;
- focus on things that are important to remember;
- avoid drinking alcohol;
- make use of calendars, notes and to-do lists for appointments, etc.
Some of the ways to help those who are suffering from memory loss are:
- take sufferer for a complete physical examination to determine the reason for the memory loss so that proper treatment can be given depending on the cause;
- follow-up on what they are doing to ensure that they are helping themselves in the best way possible;
- give reminders regarding such things as diet, when necessary;
- make sure that the family member is not isolated, help them to stay involved;
be there to offer encouragement and support;
- take for regular medical check-ups.
Because memory loss is serious for both the person who is experiencing it and for family members, encourage everyone close to the family member who is having difficulty, to lend their assistance when they think help may be needed.
Some of the symptoms of memory loss are:
- an inability to recall events over a short period of time;
- forgetting names, dates and appointments;
- getting lost even in a familiar neighbourhood;
- having difficulty comprehending and completing tasks previously familiar with;
- there may be some confusion relating to memory;
- will worsen as a person becomes tired.
Some of the possible causes of memory loss are:
- the aging process (in the normal aging process, a person will still continue to function normally);
- traumatic brain injuries or brain damage caused from strokes;
- Parkinson's or Huntington's disease, Lyme disease and HIV/AIDS;
- early dimentia or Alzheimers;
- some drugs such as statins, chemotherapy, or vitamin deficiencies;
- certain types of seizures;
- depression;
- alcohol abuse.
How someone suffering from memory loss can help themselves:
- it is important to spend time with people to help keep mind active;
- read the newspaper and keep up with current events;
- try to learn a new skill;
- it is necessary to get lots of rest;
- it is important to have a nutritional diet;
- focus on things that are important to remember;
- avoid drinking alcohol;
- make use of calendars, notes and to-do lists for appointments, etc.
Some of the ways to help those who are suffering from memory loss are:
- take sufferer for a complete physical examination to determine the reason for the memory loss so that proper treatment can be given depending on the cause;
- follow-up on what they are doing to ensure that they are helping themselves in the best way possible;
- give reminders regarding such things as diet, when necessary;
- make sure that the family member is not isolated, help them to stay involved;
be there to offer encouragement and support;
- take for regular medical check-ups.
Because memory loss is serious for both the person who is experiencing it and for family members, encourage everyone close to the family member who is having difficulty, to lend their assistance when they think help may be needed.
Monday, October 25, 2010
personality Changes - Lack of Motivation Following a Brain Injury
Lack of motivation is a direct result of injury to the frontal lobe and can create a change in a person's personality. This deficit can lead to social isolation for the brain injured survivor as they are usually not interested in recreational activities.
It is often the case that the injured person is not even interested in activities that had been enjoyed previously. They may have no interest in events and complain that there is nothing to do. It is more that there is nothing they are interested in doing or have the energy to pursue because fatigue is also part of the personality changes. As a result they may prefer to sit on the couch all day.
Motivation requires persistence and determination in order to be able to follow through on something. It requires self-confidence and a degree of self-esteem to realize their potential for accomplishment. And it requires effort, even if something is started, to be able to sustain the activity through to completion.
The following are ways to assist someone who lacks motivation:
- make a list of activities they may be interested in doing;
- help them initiate an activity;
- encourage their continued effort;
- assist them, if necessary;
- check off the activity when it has been completed to support their feeling of accomplishment.
Sometimes if something can be found that really interests them, it will help towards motivation. Perhaps suggest a potentially interesting activity that may appeal to them; borrow a book on various hobbies from the library or have someone talk to them that has a particularly creative hobby which may be of some interest for them. Cognitive therapy can also help but it is difficult to get and is rarely covered under medical plans.
Lack of motivation or interest can also be a result of depression which is common following a brain injury. This in turn leads to feeling tired all of the time; a general feeling of fatigue, no energy and a complete unwillingness to do anything.
If depression is suspected, encourage a visit to the doctor to be properly assessed. There are medications which can help. Depression can be very serious if not properly treated. If lack of motivation is a result of depression, once the depression is treated then motivation could cease to be a problem.
Personality changes with lack of motivation being the root can cause problems in relationships and families. For those who are assisting anyone with this problem, continue to encourage and support as best as possible.
It is often the case that the injured person is not even interested in activities that had been enjoyed previously. They may have no interest in events and complain that there is nothing to do. It is more that there is nothing they are interested in doing or have the energy to pursue because fatigue is also part of the personality changes. As a result they may prefer to sit on the couch all day.
Motivation requires persistence and determination in order to be able to follow through on something. It requires self-confidence and a degree of self-esteem to realize their potential for accomplishment. And it requires effort, even if something is started, to be able to sustain the activity through to completion.
The following are ways to assist someone who lacks motivation:
- make a list of activities they may be interested in doing;
- help them initiate an activity;
- encourage their continued effort;
- assist them, if necessary;
- check off the activity when it has been completed to support their feeling of accomplishment.
Sometimes if something can be found that really interests them, it will help towards motivation. Perhaps suggest a potentially interesting activity that may appeal to them; borrow a book on various hobbies from the library or have someone talk to them that has a particularly creative hobby which may be of some interest for them. Cognitive therapy can also help but it is difficult to get and is rarely covered under medical plans.
Lack of motivation or interest can also be a result of depression which is common following a brain injury. This in turn leads to feeling tired all of the time; a general feeling of fatigue, no energy and a complete unwillingness to do anything.
If depression is suspected, encourage a visit to the doctor to be properly assessed. There are medications which can help. Depression can be very serious if not properly treated. If lack of motivation is a result of depression, once the depression is treated then motivation could cease to be a problem.
Personality changes with lack of motivation being the root can cause problems in relationships and families. For those who are assisting anyone with this problem, continue to encourage and support as best as possible.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Personality Changes - Communication Difficulties Following a Brain Injury
There are many deficits following a brain injury that can cause personality changes. One of these problematic changes is in how a person communicates with others. Communication, for many reasons, often becomes difficult particularly in group conversations.
Pragmatic communication impairment causes problems in relationship as well as in work environments. Because of this, if severe, it will determine their success in employment situations and possibly within their social networks. With lack of communication skills often these social networks will gradually fade into the background.
A high percentage of those with brain injuries have communication difficulties. They very often have problems initiating conversation or in continuing with one. They will disassociate and be unable to interact with others either verbally or non-verbally, even if they know the people well. These difficulties seem to be enhanced when in large groups.
Over time their communication skills can either increase or decrease depending on the positive or negative results they get from their efforts.
When in conversation with others, it is common that they will rarely ask questions. The reason for this may be that in many cases, those who have suffered from a brain injury will tend to be self-centered and as a result, they have little interest in what someone else is saying. Another reason is they often have memory problems so may hesitate to ask because they don't remember if they've already been told before.
Some of the reasons for communication difficulties are:
- too much background noise can be confusing;
- it can be difficult to concentrate if the person is tired or anxious;
- they may have difficulty explaining their thoughts;
- pain can make communication more difficult because it may limit concentration;
- moods and fatigue can affect communication;
- long sentences can sound confusing as can complex conversations;
- alcohol can increase communication problems;
- over-stimulation;
- large groups;
- inability to take cues from others when in conversations;
- inattentiveness to conversation and/or lack of interest.
Ways of helping someone who is having difficulty with communication:
- keep sentences short;
- do not interrupt;
- be positive;
- have person avoid, when possible, large groups;
- when in groups encourage topics that the brain injured person may feel comfortable discussing;
- discourage, if possible, the use of alcohol;
- give emotional support.
Because of communication difficulties, especially in groups, many of those who have suffered from a brain injury tend to feel lonely. Over time it may be one of the most difficult deficits they will have to deal with.
Pragmatic communication impairment causes problems in relationship as well as in work environments. Because of this, if severe, it will determine their success in employment situations and possibly within their social networks. With lack of communication skills often these social networks will gradually fade into the background.
A high percentage of those with brain injuries have communication difficulties. They very often have problems initiating conversation or in continuing with one. They will disassociate and be unable to interact with others either verbally or non-verbally, even if they know the people well. These difficulties seem to be enhanced when in large groups.
Over time their communication skills can either increase or decrease depending on the positive or negative results they get from their efforts.
When in conversation with others, it is common that they will rarely ask questions. The reason for this may be that in many cases, those who have suffered from a brain injury will tend to be self-centered and as a result, they have little interest in what someone else is saying. Another reason is they often have memory problems so may hesitate to ask because they don't remember if they've already been told before.
Some of the reasons for communication difficulties are:
- too much background noise can be confusing;
- it can be difficult to concentrate if the person is tired or anxious;
- they may have difficulty explaining their thoughts;
- pain can make communication more difficult because it may limit concentration;
- moods and fatigue can affect communication;
- long sentences can sound confusing as can complex conversations;
- alcohol can increase communication problems;
- over-stimulation;
- large groups;
- inability to take cues from others when in conversations;
- inattentiveness to conversation and/or lack of interest.
Ways of helping someone who is having difficulty with communication:
- keep sentences short;
- do not interrupt;
- be positive;
- have person avoid, when possible, large groups;
- when in groups encourage topics that the brain injured person may feel comfortable discussing;
- discourage, if possible, the use of alcohol;
- give emotional support.
Because of communication difficulties, especially in groups, many of those who have suffered from a brain injury tend to feel lonely. Over time it may be one of the most difficult deficits they will have to deal with.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Is Alcohol Bad for the Brain?
I believe that excessive alcohol can contribute to dire consequences for the brain. Because of alcohol's effects on the brain, studies have shown that other areas can also be affected such as the central nervous system and the blood supply.
Alcohol will cause speech to be slurred, vision to be blurred, reaction times to be slower and memory to be impaired. Depending on whether a person is drinking on an empty stomach and how quickly they consume the alcohol, these affects can sometimes be apparent after only one or two drinks.
How often a person drinks, when they first began drinking, their gender and size and whether there is a family history of alcohol all will determine what the effects will be. Heavy drinking is one of the causes of acquired brain injury (Alcohol Related Brain Injury - ARBI). Alcohol can cause short-term memory loss, dehydration and can lead to falls and accidents. Alcohol can also increase the risk of seizures following brain injury.
Alcohol abuse can also lead to traumatic brain injuries because someone who is drinking may still drive without making reasonable judgments and may take more risks than a sober person would. Their chance of falling is increased as is the potential of getting into verbal altercations or fisticuffs. Alcoholics tend to have more head injuries; there is a high rate of alcohol abuse before TBI.
Those who continue to use alcohol after a traumatic brain injury have more difficulty with thinking abilities, cognitive function and memory problems. Cells are lost after a brain injury and other cells will have to work that much harder. If those cells are affected by alcohol, it makes it more difficult for them to work. Alcohol worsens problems already brought about by the brain injury.
People who use alcohol after a brain injury don't recover as quickly or as completely and in fact, can lose much of the progress they have made. They will lose what skills they had previous to the brain injury that they could possibly have regained.
For people who have alcohol related brain injury or have suffered a traumatic brain injury, because of their impaired insight they do not realize that their substance abuse is a problem. The problem is exacerbated for counselors working with survivors of brain injury and those with ARBI because when those with brain injuries report on their use of alcohol the figures are usually inaccurate because of their memory deficits.
For those who have brain injuries, the affects of alcohol will be more quickly apparent. After only two beers, my partner will have problems with speech and attitude and after only one glass of rye, (particularly the way he likes to pour them), he is slurring his words and having difficulty walking. Before his brain injury, although he drank several glasses every day, I saw no outward signs of inebriation.
These signs become readily apparent because of alcohol's effect on the brain. The only conclusion possible, therefore, is that alcohol is bad for the brain.
Alcohol will cause speech to be slurred, vision to be blurred, reaction times to be slower and memory to be impaired. Depending on whether a person is drinking on an empty stomach and how quickly they consume the alcohol, these affects can sometimes be apparent after only one or two drinks.
How often a person drinks, when they first began drinking, their gender and size and whether there is a family history of alcohol all will determine what the effects will be. Heavy drinking is one of the causes of acquired brain injury (Alcohol Related Brain Injury - ARBI). Alcohol can cause short-term memory loss, dehydration and can lead to falls and accidents. Alcohol can also increase the risk of seizures following brain injury.
Alcohol abuse can also lead to traumatic brain injuries because someone who is drinking may still drive without making reasonable judgments and may take more risks than a sober person would. Their chance of falling is increased as is the potential of getting into verbal altercations or fisticuffs. Alcoholics tend to have more head injuries; there is a high rate of alcohol abuse before TBI.
Those who continue to use alcohol after a traumatic brain injury have more difficulty with thinking abilities, cognitive function and memory problems. Cells are lost after a brain injury and other cells will have to work that much harder. If those cells are affected by alcohol, it makes it more difficult for them to work. Alcohol worsens problems already brought about by the brain injury.
People who use alcohol after a brain injury don't recover as quickly or as completely and in fact, can lose much of the progress they have made. They will lose what skills they had previous to the brain injury that they could possibly have regained.
For people who have alcohol related brain injury or have suffered a traumatic brain injury, because of their impaired insight they do not realize that their substance abuse is a problem. The problem is exacerbated for counselors working with survivors of brain injury and those with ARBI because when those with brain injuries report on their use of alcohol the figures are usually inaccurate because of their memory deficits.
For those who have brain injuries, the affects of alcohol will be more quickly apparent. After only two beers, my partner will have problems with speech and attitude and after only one glass of rye, (particularly the way he likes to pour them), he is slurring his words and having difficulty walking. Before his brain injury, although he drank several glasses every day, I saw no outward signs of inebriation.
These signs become readily apparent because of alcohol's effect on the brain. The only conclusion possible, therefore, is that alcohol is bad for the brain.
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