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    Brain Research: Blueprints of a New Era

    By Brian on Saturday, November 26th, 2011 | No Comments

    Brain science has been one of the central topics in the scientific world in the last decade. The development of several new technologies has allowed scientists to reach a superior level in research methods.

    Such technologies – particularly brain scanning techniques (PET, fMRI, CT, etc.) – have enabled experts to perform procedures which were thought to be in the realm of science fiction in a near past. In the verge of an advanced era in the perception and manipulation of the human mind, an ethical discussion was raised in the Old continent.

    Meeting the ‘Meeting of Minds’

    “Meeting of Minds – European Citizens’ Deliberation on Brain Science, was a unique exercise involving the general public in a discussion on cutting-edge science. Citizens from nine European countries will suggest what they think should be done with our new-found knowledge of the brain. They will debate the ethical, social and legal implications with international experts. The citizens’ conclusions on the use of new technology, medicines and techniques will be offered to policy-makers at the European, national and transnational level.” (www.meetingmindseurope.org)

    Breaking through Brain Research

    The outcome of the meeting of minds was one of the most elaborate displays of democratic decision-making in history. 126 citizens, 9 countries, 12 organisations and another dozens of professionals from several areas: resulting in over 100 recommendations that are being analysed by stakeholders in the fields of brain research and politics. The meeting’s organisation committee recognised several ‘new’ areas in brain research which are becoming increasingly relevant in our daily lives, and designed most recommendations based on probable outcomes from these areas.

    Brain Stimulation

    The initiative to solve psychiatric problems derived from common mental health disorders, such as OCD, has provided the background for neuro-surgeons to endeavour in “tinkering at people’s brains”. Innovative procedures, such as the insertion of electrodes that emit mild currents to communicate with the patient via a wireless system, are part of this area. Issues? The definition of normality: how are medical treatments going to affect different social groups and who should, and should not, be treated.

    Brain Scanning Technologies

    Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) has been used to identify patterns of cognitive behaviour in the human brain. Scientists have attempted to use it for lie detection and even to recognise which areas of the brain are being used when a stimuli is provided. Scientists have even attempted to scan several different people in order to define a ‘normal’ brain structure. Issues? Privacy and a patient’s right to refuse treatment are the major concerns which result from this type of research.

    Regulatory Drugs

    Several drugs have been developed to treat patients with brain disorders, such as compliance and conduct disorders. The ability to provide a ‘quick fix’ to particular behaviours has induced research in this area. Issues? Again the definition of normality: there is a concern on whether some conditions are in fact disorders that should be treated. With further development of research, such drugs could be used for social control.

    Cognitive Enhancers

    In the last decade cognitive enhancers have been a central topic of discussion in brain research. Drugs which improve memory, alertness and other cognitive functions have been developed, and drug companies are prepared to market them to the general public. Issues? There are several concerns about the non-regulation of such drugs, which could become a quick fix for ‘mental problems’. This culture would play a role in decreasing the importance of preventive treatment.

    Genetic Profiling

    Increased research in the brain’s structure and functioning is giving scientists the opportunity to relate the genetic structure of individual’s with the possible development of particular brain conditions. Such procedure could allow the recognition of pattern which would predict the incidence of mental health diseases prior to the actual development of the disease. Issues? The burden of knowing the future for an individual that is likely to develop a mental health disease.

    Themes and Final Recommendations

    The project’s meeting on January produced more than 100 recommendations in six different areas of brain research. Following are some of them:

    Regulation and Control

    - Increase the transparency of public funding allocation mechanisms and its links to solving social issues.

    - Extend the reach of ethical oversight to non-experimental research.

    - Prevent the misuse of human beings for experimental research.

    - Make disclosure of privately-funded brain research activities into a legal requirement.

    - Increase transparency of ongoing research to align public funding.

    - Increase public funding for fundamental research.

    - Minimise bureaucratic barriers to encourage collaborative research.

    - Strengthen legal regimes on discrimination against persons with mental conditions, particularly in their workplaces.

    Normalcy versus Diversity

    - Foster greater inter-disciplinary knowledge to improve thinking about norms

    - Take into consideration that diversity is “normal” and positive for the development of society, the arts and science.

    - Counteract a “social pressure” for medical treatment.

    - Do not treat patients if they do not wish it.

    - Offer a broad range of treatment options and support, provide alternatives to medical treatment and complementary medicine or combine various approaches.

    - Put more emphasis on prevention.

    - Reinforce communication between patients and specialists in charge.

    - Reallocate resources in favour of basic research.

    - Give high priority to brain research.

    - Ensure that the increased knowledge that brain science provides is also applied in other fields such as teaching, learning, thinking, and creativity.

    - Do not allow enhancing drugs for people who have to pass exams.

    - Definitions should be flexible as society moves on.

    Public Information and Communication

    - Promote broadcasting of scientific documentaries during viewer-friendly hours.

    - Start a “Brainpedia” similar to the general Wikipedia encyclopedia in the internet.

    - Mobilize medical students and create opportunities for them to go public in order to enter a permanent discussion with practitioners, organizations, and citizens.

    - Keep the medical press independent of pharmaceutical industries.

    - Promote the information flow between experts.

    - Encourage a more interdisciplinary approach.

    - Introduce or improve communicative skills in the education for medical doctors in order to improve the doctor-patient relationship and the quality of information.

    - Establish more direct information links between experts and patients. Scientists should be discouraged to publish immediately every new development in research in popular media.

    Pressure from Economic Interests

    - Introduce incentives for pharmaceutical companies to conduct fundamental research.

    - Initiate foundations that support patients with rare diseases.

    - Foster independent information about drugs that are positioned as consumer products.

    - Keep the ban on advertising for prescription drugs.

    - Require that sources of financing are listed with every academic contribution.

    Equal Access to Treatment

    - Make efforts to ensure equal access regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, economic capacity and social status.

    - Make sure that people are well informed about treatments and non-medical alternatives in order to avoid exclusion from services.

    - Extend the understanding of necessary treatment to prevention and create respective institutions and programs.

    - Incorporate citizens and patients’ organizations in decision making on allocation of resources.

    - Target mental health care to particular groups (elderly, ethnical groups, socially weak groups…) to increase efficiency.

    Freedom of Choice

    - Create interdisciplinary support teams for patients and their families.

    - Improve the geographical distribution of diagnosis and treatment units for patients and their families.

    - Set up a multidisciplinary group to define “unbearable psychological suffering”. The established criteria should serve as a foundation for laws on euthanasia independent of public opinion, one group emphasized.

    - Guarantee equal access to treatment as a self-evident precondition for choice.

    - Carefully prioritise public funds. Conduct a clear information policy on the costs of prophylactic measures, check-ups, and treatments.

    - Don’t streamline research along political, financial or materialistic deliberations but keep it open in all scientifically relevant directions (blue sky research).

    The Next Steps

    “Since January 2006 the partner organisations have launched different types of initiatives at both national and European level to disseminate results and provide policy advice to relevant stakeholders and policy makers. Such initiatives include presentations in relevant fora such as national parliaments and scientific conferences, and the organisation of policy advice workshops. Willing citizens can play a key role during these events.” (www.meetingmindseurope.org).

    Will the international efforts to overlook brain research work? The process is on its way, and time will tell. If the implementation of the several proposed recommendations is effective through the political, medical and social layers of participant EU countries – it may be time to consider how scalable this project could be.

    As the knowledge of brain functioning and particular interactions between neural networks is increasingly expanding, a discussion could arise from the very heart of mental health: how much impact can brain research provoke in the several mental health disciplines? Will learning paradigms shift – or will brain research support contemporary theories? The blueprints of a new era are under development – and the next steps will be promising.

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    Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/psychology-articles/brain-research-blueprints-of-a-new-era-139845.html”

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    HGH Growth Hormone: A Natural Memory Boosting Agent

    By Brian on Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 | No Comments

    After the age of 21, your body starts losing the chief hormone HGH (Human Growth Hormone) responsible for regulating many other hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. With the loss of HGH, your body starts showing all possible signs of growing old! This means reduced energy, gray hair, wrinkles, loss of libido, weight gain, weak muscles and bones, and most importantly memory loss. In short—when HGH falls, aging rises!

    Causes of memory loss?

    Before explaining the marvels HGH can create in boosting your memory, let’s see what actually memory loss is and how it occurs? Memory loss is a condition resulting from damaged brain cells, normally called neurons. Once these crucial cells are damaged, they can never be revived. This may also lead to a serious disease Alzheimer.

    For people climbing the ladder of age, memory loss is part of the natural process. But this memory drop is also experienced by some younger people. Memory decline is basically due to aging but many other factors such as stress, illness, or accident may also be some of the causes. Severe memory setback is experienced by people falling victim to neurodegenerative diseases and intracranial injuries.

    How HGH can help?

    As we know that damage of brain cells cause memory loss, HGH basically stimulates the repair and rejuvenation of these damaged cells and prevents a person from mental weakness. It even heals the proteins present in human brain that are responsible for storing our memory. HGH treatments have come up strongly to cure all the anti-aging symptoms, particularly memory lapse.

    Learning, memory retention, and intellect all have a close relationship with HGH. A study conducted by Swedish Scientists revealed the reason why so many patients felt great after the HGH therapy. According to them HGH works like an antidepressant, raising the level of neurons in brain and even reviving the damaged ones! It practically prevents, even reverses the whole aging process.

    Older people take HGH supplements to enhance their memory. HGH produces the growth hormones in human brain that were lost with aging. Not only does it improve memory, but it also shows other remarkable effects on a person’s physical and mental well-being that prevents from aging. HGH treatment invigorates the working of the pituitary gland to supply more growth hormones. Each quantity of HGH replacement has positively powerful effects on brain functioning and help maintain and recreate the memory cells.

    LA Health & Rejuvenation Center offers HGH therapy to all those people facing memory loss problems. After complete examining of your health conditions and requirements, we suggest how your therapy will progress. Our HGH therapy not only cures memory problems, but works in defeating all the signs of aging.

    Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/hgh-growth-hormone-a-natural-memory-boosting-agent-974057.html”

    Link: HGH Growth Hormone: A Natural Memory Boosting Agent

    Boost Memory With Natural Vitamin Supplements

    By Brian on Monday, November 21st, 2011 | No Comments

    Our memory is as natural to us as breathing. An ability we all have, but don’t often think of, it doesn’t seem to cross our mind until we perceive that we are losing the ability. Memory lapses are an annoyance in themselves, but the anxiety that often comes along with them seems to be even worse. We often wonder if our memory problems are a symptom of some other problem like midlife depression, arteriosclerosis, or even Alzheimer’s disease. Although Alzheimer’s disease is a fairly common disorder among older people, one must realize that most memory lapses have nothing to do with Alzheimer’s disease.

    Generally, it is believed that increasing age brings about an increased likelihood of developing memory loss. The mildest form of this illness is called age-associated memory impairment. This is characterized by one’s perception of his or her own memory loss and it is estimated that it is experienced by 40 percent of Americans over the age of sixty-five. Not all memory loss is attributable to aging, as occasional memory lapses are a natural normal part of life at almost any age, and are not likely to precede serious memory loss. With a proper diet, nutrition, and memory use, the memory should remain sharp and active well into one’s nineties or beyond.

    One big reason why people suffer from memory loss is an insufficient supply of necessary nutrients to the brain. The life of the body is in the blood, as it literally feeds and nourishes every cell within our bodies. Only certain substances are allowed to pass from the bloodstream into the brain, thanks to the protective envelope that is known as the blood-brain barrier. If the blood is thick with cholesterol and triglycerides, the amount of nutrient-rich blood that can pass through the blood-brain barrier decreases. This can result in the brain becoming malnourished over time.

    The functioning of the brain also depends upon substances that are referred to as neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals that act as electrical switches in the brain and are responsible for all the functions of the body. If the brain does not have an adequate supply of neurotransmitters, or the nutrients to make them, it starts to develop something similar to a power failure or a short circuit. If you are trying to recall as specific fact or piece of information and your mind goes blank, it is likely that the above “short circuit” has occurred.

    There are many other factors that are involved in the deterioration of the memory. One of the most important is exposure to free radicals, which can cause huge amounts of damage if the memory is unchecked. Alcoholics and drug addicts often suffer a great deal of memory loss, with alcoholics being notorious for huge memory gaps that occur even though they are conscious. Allergies, candidiasis, stress, thyroid disorders, and poor circulation to the brain can also contribute to memory loss, while hypoglycemia can play a role in memory loss as well, as the brain requires that the level of glucose in the blood fall within a specific narrow range. Wide swings in blood sugar levels affect brain function and memory.

    The following nutrients are beneficial in dealing with and preventing memory loss: acetylcholine, boron, DMAE, garlic, huperzine A, lecithin granules, manganese, multivitamin and mineral complex, omega-3 fatty acid complex, phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl serine, SOD, vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin B3, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, acetyl-l-carnitine, l-glutaine, l-tyrosine, coenzyme Q10, DHEA, DMG, melatonin, NADH, pregnenolone, RNA and DNA, Brahmi, ginkgo biloba, anise, blue cohosh, ginseng, gotu kola, and rosemary.

    All of the above mentioned as well as formulas tailored to help improve memory can be found in capsule, table, or power forms. Remember, only look to name brands such as Solaray, Source Naturals and Natures Plus for quality products. Memory vitamins and herbs can be found at your local or internet health food store.

    *Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Vitamins and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

    Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/boost-memory-with-natural-vitamin-supplements-845938.html”

    The rest is here: Boost Memory With Natural Vitamin Supplements

    Alzheimer says strengthen your brain with healthy diets

    By Brian on Thursday, November 17th, 2011 | No Comments

    Human brain is the center point that controls each and every function of the body. It is the most important part to keep the human body function properly. The top section of the body needs to be taken care of; a healthy lifestyle can be the best way to maintain complete wellness. There are numerous syndromes that can badly affect the health of human brain; in many cases the brain disorders are highly fatal. One of the most dreaded brain disorders can be termed as Alzheimer’s disease.

    It is a syndrome that catches hold of the most important organ, our brain. It is a disease that destroys brain cells leading to loss of memory. It further creates problem with thinking and behavioural patterns. Alzheimer’s disease highly affects work, lifelong hobbies and habits. Over of period of time this disease can worsen and may also be termed as fatal. Doctors opined that it is highly associated as the form of dementia. It refers to the loss of intellectual abilities.

    It is true, that diseases are not invited, and they just come and mess up the routine. Only taking precautionary measures is in our hand, rest all depends on destiny.  Research has revealed that heading a healthy diet can enormously work in reducing the risks of getting triggered by Alzheimer’s disease.

    Heading for foods or diet that is rich in vegetables, fish, nuts, fruits, poultry, butter and low red meat can work best in strengthening the human brain. Dietary factors play a major role in overall boosting the health of the human brain. Diets including salad dressings, tomatoes, fish, poultry, nuts, vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli, green leafy vegetables, organ meat, high fat dairy etc can be considered as the rich sources of vitamins and minerals that work in enhancing the resistance power of brain. Following these diet patterns can be a great attempt in protecting the organ from Alzheimer’s disease.

    Also it has been observed that Mediterranean diets are the rich sources of natural elements that are great in boosting overall health of the body including brain. It is very essential that a body should posses the combination of nutrients including saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, folate and Vitamin E and B12. These are most essential nutrients that should be present in adequate quantities to attain a healthy well being.

    Following a healthy diet refers to involving this nutritious stuff in your diet regularly. This will keep your body updated with the essential nutrients that work in overall energizing your body. To resist any syndrome it is very essential for our body to be loaded with all the essential nutrients that maintain the energy, stamina and metabolism levels. To attain complete well being it is very important to focus on the basic ingredients of diet. There are several other factors apart from diet that can trigger Alzheimer’s disease. Certain physical problems like high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, obesity and uncontrolled diabetes can also majorly work in affecting the brain condition.

    Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/alzheimer-says-strengthen-your-brain-with-healthy-diets-2251099.html”

    Read the rest here: Alzheimer says strengthen your brain with healthy diets

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