Tweaking the Brain
A Brain Health Blog
Can Pesticides Contribute to ADHD?
May 22nd
A study recently released by Pediatrics (the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics), entitled “Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Urinary Metabolites of Organophosphate Pesticides” finds a possible link between childhood exposure to pesticides and a child developing ADHD. Sometimes studies are able to be dismissed because one says that the exposure levels necessary to be influential are unrealistically high. Unfortunately, this study finds a link “at levels common among US children”. More >
Taking Statins Can Cause Memory Loss
May 6th
The statin family of drugs, most commonly used to treat high cholesterol, can cause a number of potentially serious side effects. One side effect you may not know to look for is memory loss. If you know someone that is experiencing such a problem with memory, find out if he or she is taking a statin – it may be an easy cause to determine or rule out.
According to an article on www.statinanswers.com, “Some people experience memory loss, report an inability to concentrate as well, and feel that they are developing Alzheimer’s disease when taking statin drugs.” Interestingly, the article also mentions a study which seems to prove the opposite effect; in that study “simvastatin (Zocor) actually lowers the risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.” More >
Getting Creative Until Insurance Companies Increase Reimbursement
Apr 14th
Unfortunately, despite the research supporting it (click for books, research, and articles on neurofeedback), mos
t insurance companies offer limited, if any, reimbursement, although the situation is improving. Given that, I read with interest The Detroit News’ recent article “Westland Parents Secure Autism-Related Aid”. Looking to make neurofeedback treatment more financially accessible for his children as well as other children on the autism spectrum, father Neil Carrick formed an organization that raised funds and looked for a provider that would provide a group rate. End result? Carrick’s organization will provide 30 children with up to 20 weeks of neurofeedback. Impressive!
Lead in Blood Relates to Depression, Panic
Apr 8th
How many psychiatrists or MD’s ever even screen for lead exposure? This study referenced in the December issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, suggests they should.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/173076.php
Young adults with higher blood lead levels appear more likely to have major depression and panic disorders, even if they have exposure to lead levels generally considered safe, according to a report in the December issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
“These findings suggest that lead neurotoxicity may contribute to adverse mental health outcomes, even at levels generally considered to pose low or no risk,” the study’s authors conclude.
Want to Help Your Child Like Math? Try Some Music!
Apr 7th
Many parents have a lack of confidence in their own math ability, sometimes even a math anxiety. Is it realistic f
or those parents to encourage their children’s math abilities from a young age? According to Ohio University professors Gene and Kamile Geist, the answer is a resounding YES, and music is the key. Just like music, math is full of patterns – a child’s brain may first be stimulated “mathematically” when he or she processes the rhythms in music. So, not only is it relaxing for your baby to hear you sing lullabies, those early musical experiences are promoting math ability as well.
Feeling Impatient? Maybe Fast Food is to Blame
Apr 3rd
We all have heard much about the nutritional issues with lots of fast food… but does fast food also make us more impatient? A news study from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, featured in an article on Ivanhoe.com, says the “fast food culture” actually affects our “psychology and behavior”. The study found that people even exposed even subconsciously to the symbols of fast food did tasks more quickly, even when there was no advantage; people are having a harder time slowing down for their leisure time. Now we have another health reason to skip McDonald’s for lunch!
Study Shows New Evidence of the Effectiveness of Neurofeedback
Mar 11th
ScienceDaily.com reports that University of London researchers have found the “First Direct Evidence of Neuroplastic Changes Following Brainwave Training”. This is a major step forward in recognizing the signficant benefits that can be achieved through neurofeedback therapy. The researchers found that “[r]emarkably, these after-effects are comparable in magnitude to those observed following interventions with artificial forms of brain stimulation involving magnetic or electrical pulses.” More >
RDA for Vitamin D? At Least 5 Times Too Low
Feb 24th
An organization that specializes in researching nutritional medicine, www.Orthomolecular.org, reports that Vitamin D level recommendations by the government are way too low to prevent some basic health problems. The organization, made up of a number of MD’s, is one of the most credible sources for information on nutritional medicine.
Anxiety and depression can be affected by low Vitamin D levels. More >
More Good News about Fish Oil
Feb 2nd
The Beyond Meds blog alerted me to a BBC article, “Fish Oil Supplements ‘Beat Psychotic Mental Illness’”, that describes yet another research study that has found beneficial effects from fish oil. This time, a preliminary study has shown that taking fish oil can help prevent psychotic disorders in young people at high risk for to develop such disorders. In fact, according to the BBC article, “A three-month course of the supplement appeared to be as effective as drugs, cutting the rate of psychotic illness like schizophrenia by a quarter.” A chance to keep the brain healthy naturally is always good news.
Children Sleep terrors solved – by 5HTP
Jan 27th
What an incredibly impressive study from the European Journal of Pediatrics. 5HTP supplementation (precursor to Serotonin, available at any health food store) virtually eliminates sleep terrors in kids. It’s a very well-done ,controlled study. Unfortunately, few studies count unless they are marketed. This one wasn’t. MD’s who read this study should agree – the data is quite compelling. But if no one markets a study – it’s as if it doesn’t exist. So pass this one on! More >