Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
As we age, our brain function slows down naturally. This happens for two main reasons. First off, there is a drop that occurs in the concentration of growth factors that repair spaces between nerves, known as the synaptic region. This leads to a slower healing …
Resveratrol, already the focus of a number of studies on brain health, may be an effective way to help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. In previous studies from the University of Reading in the UK and another from the Max Plank Institute in Germany, …
Doctors mainly diagnose Autism, or ASD, by monitoring development and behavior. But a new questionnaire assessment might make the diagnosis a bit easier.
Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavior challenges, according to the CDC. The process used by doctors to diagnose ASD in children and adults is mainly the monitoring of their development and behavior, respectively. But there may be a new method to help identify autism in adults; a self-assessment test has been created at Cardiff University that looks for repetitions in adult’s behavior. ASD includes several conditions – autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder and Asperger syndrome. Those diagnosed with these conditions may “repeat certain behaviors and might not want change in their daily activities. Many people with ASD also have different ways of learning, paying attention or reacting to things. Signs of ASD begin during early childhood and typically last throughout a person’s life” (CDC). According to Medical Daily, ASD occurs in more than one in every 100 people.
New Study: Nutrient Found in Broccoli May Help Symptoms of Autism. Click here!
Dr. Sue Leekam, director of the Wales Autism Research Centre, felt that a “broad measure of repetitive behavior that adults could complete on their own” would give a personal insight into how those behaviors affect them directly. Which, in turn, would help doctors diagnose them.
This assessment was designed after the Repetitive Behaviors Questionnaire-2, an older assessment originally designed for use by parents of young children. The team needed to rephrase and reconstruct the assessment using appropriate adult behaviors and words. The test has been validated as a “reliable and valid measure of autism”.
Dr. Leekam explains that the test cannot diagnose autism on its own, mainly because “repetitive behaviors are only one criterion for a diagnosis of autism.” Further research and testing is needed. But scientists and researchers hope a new test will soon be developed that can help all ages. Here is where you can find the self-assessment test.
Sources: http://www.medicaldaily.com/ and http://www.cdc.gov/
A new study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research has conducted a telephone survey of adult residents in Canada during 2011 and 2012. Researchers “examined the responses of 3,933 adults aged 18 and above participating in the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s Monitor …
The “voices” in the heads of the mentally ill have been depicted in countless movies and TV shows. As a common symptom of a severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia, the experience of hearing voices can be difficult to both explain and understand. For many …
As we all know, what you decide to eat directly affects your health. But there is now new evidence that shows the same is true for your brain health. In a new study conducted by researchers at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, a new diet plan they developed, called the MIND diet, may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 53%.
According to the nutritional epidemiologist, Martha Clare Morris, PhD, lead author of the MIND diet study, “This diet appears to be just one of the many factors that play into who gets the disease. Genetics and other factors like smoking, exercise and education also play a role. But the MIND diet helped slow the rate of cognitive decline and protect against Alzheimer’s regardless of other risk factors.” The study included more than 900 people between the ages of 58 and 98 and it found that those participants who followed this diet, had a level of cognitive function equivalent of a person about 7 years younger.
Click here for more studies on Alzheimer’s Disease!
Vegetables: The MIND diet recommends frequent servings of all vegetables – especially green, leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, broccoli and collards. They are packed with Vitamin A, Vitamin C and many other nutrients.
Nuts: According to the MIND diet study, nuts are a good snack for brain health because they contain healthy fats, fiber and antioxidant. The MIND diet recommends eating nuts at least five times a week.
Berries: Morris states, “Blueberries are one of the more potent foods in terms of protecting the brain.” The diet recommends eating berries at least twice a week.
Beans: Beans are high in fiber and protein and low in calories and fat. According to the MIND diet, they also keep your mind sharp, making them the perfect food for brain health.
Whole Grains: A key component of the MIND diet, it is recommended at least three servings per day.
Fish: The MIND diet recommends eating fish at least once per week to protect brain function.
Poultry: It is recommended to eat two or more servings a week on the MIND diet since poultry is a large part of the brain-healthy eating plan.
Olive Oil: Researchers have found that people who use olive oil as their primary oil saw greater protection against cognitive decline.
Wine: The MIND diet recommends a glass of wine every day.
Click here for more information on how to optimize your brain health!
Red Meat: Limit consumption to no more than four servings a week to help protect brain health.
Butter and Stick Margarine: These foods should be limited to less than a tablespoon per day on the MIND diet. Substitute for Olive oil.
Cheese: Limit consumption of cheese to no more than once a week.
Pastries and Sweets: According to the MIND diet, pastries and other sweets could actually have a negative effect on brain health. Limit consumption to no more than five treats a week.
Fast Food: Limit consumption to no more than one a week.
Fried Food: Limit consumption to no more than one a week.
Source: http://www.cbsnews.com