Remember, we review the latest blogs related to the brain and mind that go beyond the basic sciences into a more human and multidimensional perspective. You can check out our archive for past editions.

For future carnivals, please remember to submit your blog entries using the online submission form. We will do our best to review and include your entry! Enjoy your readings…

It’s All in the Mind…

Dr Shock writes The Functional Neuroanatomy of Depression:

This conclusion leaves the possibility that refractory depression might also be a more serious type of depression, due to lack of proper treatment or the consequence of more episodes resulting in brain changes or longer episode duration. More as a continuum instead of separate kind of depressions.

conditional cognition writes Rewinding, Resetting and Redefining Artificial Intelligence:

What exactly is artificial intelligence? As Stanford’s John McCarthy provides answers to basic questions on AI, he states that AI is ‘the science and engineering of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs. It is related to the similar task of using computers to understand human intelligence, but AI does not have to confine itself to methods that are biologically observable.’

Searching for the Emotion writes On Emotion is the Binary Feeling Consist of Affect and Sensation:

Perhaps it’s just this mechanism that makes the mysterious emotion as the water which has a source?and makes our emotional need can be connected with our physiologic need, and makes the emotional value of object can be consistent with the biological significance of our organism.

Learning in the Corporate Sector writes Taxonomy of Learning Theories:

Constructivism has a rich history. Numerous theorists have contributed to its development over the last century (eg Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, Jerome Bruner, Ernst von Glaserfeld), and several brands are recognised in the domain (eg cognitive constructivism, social constructivism, radical constructivism).

Living the Scientific Life writes Migratory Monarch Butterflies ‘See’ Earth’s GeoMagnetic Field:

A team of neurobiologists that has investigated the mysteries of monarch migration for many years now reports that photoreceptor proteins found in monarch butterflies are linked to animal navigation. Their research finds that two types of photoreceptor proteins not only allow the butterflies to see UV light (light that is less than 420nm long, and thus, is invisible to humans), but also allows them to sense the Earth’s geomagnetic field. These photoreceptor proteins are known as cryptochromes.

The Emotion Machine writes Can Stillness And Reflection Improve Learning?:

If we can reinforce learning by actively replaying memories then certainly there is good reason to practice wakeful introspection. Like Sahar, we should set aside a time and place for it. Even by reflecting on negative events, we can extract lessons from our old ways and thus learn to gain something positive from them.

The study, published in a recent issue of Archives of Neurology, reports findings of a 4-year prospective study of nearly 5000 postmenopausal women in 25 countries. The study initially examined women with osteoporosis, but an ancillary study examined cognitive function in the study subjects. The women were screened for the components of the metabolic syndrome at baseline, and 10% of the women were diagnosed with the condition. Nearly all women were diagnosed with at least one component of the syndrome. All of the women were also screened for cognitive impairment at baseline, based on a combination of clinical diagnosis and standard neuropsychiatric evaluations, then yearly for 4 years. At baseline, no women showed signs of cognitive dysfunction.

Of the original 497 women diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, 7.2% developed cognitive impairment over the course of the study. Only 4.1% of women without metabolic syndrome developed cognitive impairment. Overall, there was a 23% increased risk of developing cognitive impairment per increase in component of metabolic syndrome. Of the components of metabolic syndrome, high fasting glucose levels or diabetes were associated with the most significant risk of cognitive impairment.

The mechanism by which metabolic syndrome increases cognitive dysfunction has not been clearly defined, and was not examined in this current study, but several previous studies have suggested that insulin resistance may increase the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques that contribute to dementia. Further, obesity has been associated with brain atrophy and the degradation of neurons. Interestingly, type 1 diabetes — not usually associated with obesity or the metabolic syndrome — has also been associated with decreased cognitive function, indicating that chronic hyperglycermia and hyperinsulinemia might be to blame for decreased executive functions, cognitive impairment, and dementia. Type 1 diabetes has been shown to decrease mental speed and flexibility, while type 2 diabetes is additionally associated with changes in learning and memory.

Age may play a role in metabolic syndrome and its associated risk factors. Namely, the oldest groups of people studied seem not to experience cognitive decline at the same rate as younger subjects with metabolic syndrome. In a study of 599 people aged 85 and older with metabolic syndrome, cognitive decline actually slowed from 85 to 90 years old, compared to an accelerated decline in people with metabolic syndrome up to age 75. Some researchers argue that metabolic syndrome is less significant in the oldest of the old.

Numerous risk factors collectively influence cognitive function over a lifetime. Some occur early in life, such as education, or are unalterable, such as family history or genetic predisposition. Other risk factors, however, appear to controllable and modifiable, such as the components of the metabolic syndrome. Most of these components can be treated and managed with lifestyle modifications, and the earlier people address the risk factors and alter their behaviors, the earlier they can reduce the risk of developing any number of serious medical complications. While many studies agree that the components of metabolic syndrome are associated with decreased cognitive function, more studies need to be conducted to explain the mechanism behind this association. But, for now, people worldwide should take this information to heart (and mind) and curtail the growing prevalence of obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. As if anyone needed one more reason.

References

BIESSELS, G., STAEKENBORG, S., BRUNNER, E., BRAYNE, C., & SCHELTENS, P. (2006). Risk of dementia in diabetes mellitus: a systematic review The Lancet Neurology, 5 (1), 64-74 DOI: 10.1016/S1474-4422(05)70284-2

van den Berg, E., Biessels, G., de Craen, A., Gussekloo, J., & Westendorp, R. (2007). The metabolic syndrome is associated with decelerated cognitive decline in the oldest old Neurology, 69 (10), 979-985 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000271381.30143.75

Xiong, G., Plassman, B., Helms, M., & Steffens, D. (2006). Vascular risk factors and cognitive decline among elderly male twins Neurology, 67 (9), 1586-1591 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000242730.44003.1d

Yaffe, K., Weston, A., Blackwell, T., & Krueger, K. (2009). The Metabolic Syndrome and Development of Cognitive Impairment Among Older Women Archives of Neurology, 66 (3), 324-328 DOI: 10.1001/archneurol.2008.566

Remember, we review the latest blogs related to the brain and mind that go beyond the basic sciences into a more human and multidimensional perspective. If you were left out, just leave a comment with your blog entry. You can check our archive for every edition.

For future editions, please remember to submit your blog entries using the online submission form. We will do our best to review and include your entry! Enjoy your readings…

It’s All in the Mind…

Glowing Face Man writes The Golden Rule of Language Learning:

The Golden Rule of Language Learning: Absolutely any method of language learning, as long as it includes regular exposure to the target language, will eventually yield fluency if followed faithfully enough.

SharpBrains writes The Future of Computer-assisted Cognitive Therapy

… we have a number of major societal problems (anxiety, depression…) that affect people of all ages, and an intervention that teaches people cognitive skills to be able to manage those related challenges better. Talk about “teaching how to fish” vs. simply handing out fish (which we could argue is what antidepressant medications do).

Conscious Flex writes The Biggest Problem in the World:

When the mind is still, an incredible silence lurks there. While the mental noise is at rest, a waiting stillness that is life enlightening brings forth an infinite amount of aliveness. By ‘aliveness’ I mean a deep sense of infinite creativity, insights, realizations and an awakening of your conscious self with vibranticity, and energization. This state of aliveness is infinitely vast and a new energy flows through you.

Mastery of Meditation, Enlightenment and Kundalini Yoga writes Brain Health Benefits of Meditation Making the News:

Meditation undoubtedly is excellent for brain function and several brain researchers are now listing meditation as a must if you want to ward off all kinds of brain health issues as you age. Meditation can help with everything from Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, memory problems, concentration, awareness, etc, and the sooner you start the better it is for you.

axel g writes How Do Mudras Affect Meditation?:

Have you ever seen a Buddha image sitting cross-legged with his hands resting one over the other, by the lower abdomen, and with the thumbs joined? This is referred to as a mudra. There are many many kinds of mudras having evolved from a broad base of spiritual traditions. Anyway, why use mudras in meditation? Let me share my first-hand experiences with you.

Thomas J. West Music writes Who’s Running This Show? The Body/Mind Ego and How It Affects Your Results:

In terms of learning a musical instrument, the body/mind ego delivers a continuum of commentary. When a student can’t perform something correctly the first or second time they attempt it, the ego usually begins a commentary about how the music is too hard. The mind is focused on whether or not continued attempts are worth the effort rather than being focused on analysis of the task at hand. This is particularly the case if students have already developed a history of perceived failure.

Brain Stimulant writes Electric Brain Stimulation to Help Bad Drivers:

… you basically place two sponge electrodes on your head that are connected to a 9 volt battery. The sponge electrode attached to the anode (+) excites brain activity beneath it, while the sponge electrode connected to the cathode (-) decreases brain activity underneath it. This technology can be performed on a person while they are fully awake and it has few side effects aside from a slight tingling sensation.

Psypo writes Shock Treatment – The Myth, Reality And More:

Unlike as many films show, its not the prescription of a cruel doctor but of a wise doctor because The use of ECT replaced all other forms of drug treatment in psychiatry (at least to a considerable extent). Patients suffering from any form of psychosis, depression, dementia, personality disorder, psychopathy, or even homosexuality were considered for the new treatment. Its more than just shaking the head with shock as we hake an old radio set when its not working properly.

Balanced Existence writes :

How to Skillfully Deal with Suffering in the WorldI was shocked recently when I read about a man on a bus in Canada who suddenly pulled out a knife and for no apparent reason stabbed a young man next to him to death. Then he gutted him and cut his head off. After which he taunted police with the head and apparently ate some of the man he killed before being arrested.

Dr Shock writes Patient Doctor Relationship:

Another important topic is can we teach empathy in Med School?
In short: No I don’t think so. For several reasons. Empathy is a process with different steps. Especially feeling what the patients feels is a quality not every doctor has. And if they do it is not always appropriate nor possible to be sensitive enough to use it. Moreover this process not only needs the quality it is also costs energy, depends on the relationship with the patient, and needs experience.

Be Happy writes 3 Great Life Philosophies to Remove Sadness and Anxiety:

The world appreciates a person’s strong will, but does not give pity for a person’s weak tears. A determined person can overcome any difficulty, while a weak-hearted one may never perform well with a comfortable situation. Be strong.

GrrlScientist writes Are Mad Cow Disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Identical?:

Mad Cow Disease, technically known as Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), is one of a group of transmissible diseases that destroy brain tissue, collectively known as Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs). TSEs are an unknown agent(s) that act by damaging the structure of brain proteins known as “prions” (PREE ons).

For a large part of the previous century, it was believed that people with stroke would have to lead a largely dependent life, confined to the wheelchair. They were even discouraged from moving their limbs or exercising. Over the years, rehabilitation for patients with stroke has come a long way. Focus has shifted from basic interventions utilizing strengthening exercises to more advance techniques based on the theories of motor learning and neuroplasticity. This included manual techniques by skilled clinicians as well as the use of equipment such as electrical stimulation modalities, and specialized bikes and treadmill systems — all aimed at optimizing function in patients with impairments. In the past few years, a major step for the field of rehabilitation has been the integration of fields such as assistive technology, robotics and computer sciences with the science of rehabilitation. The amalgam of the above has led to potentially powerful systems that will enhance the functional outcome in patients greatly. The latest entrant into the filed of rehabilitation is virtual reality (VR) systems for rehabilitation. Many of the systems have been tested, released and are now available to hospitals and clinics for use. Clinical trials are ongoing, for upgrading existing technology and for invention of new systems for recovery and rehabilitation.

In 2002, the engineers at Rutgers University have created a VR system that included therapeutic activities aimed at recovery of function in patients with stroke. There are now many versions of this system available, and clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate the extent of efficacy of these systems in recovery of function. Like any VR gaming system, patients will see themselves in a simulated environment. Only, games will be replaced by targeted exercises that will work target various functional muscle groups in the arms and hands. Patients can complete fine motor tasks such as picking up objects, stacking objects, and gross motor tasks such as tapping balloons, catching objects and even reach for objects out of their base of support, thus encouraging balance retraining.

Of late, VR rehabilitation systems are also being evaluated for their use in decreasing neglect in patients with hemiplegia. This is achieved by the system providing visual cues from the affected side, to increase awareness and enhance adaptive relearning. A recent published case study (four participants) suggested that VR systems had the potential for decreasing neglect in patients with stroke. In addition to improvements on the objective tests that were administered, participants also subjectively reported that VR training sessions were helpful and enjoyable. VR systems can even simulate day-to-day situations like crossing a street, cooking, opening doors, etc. This will provide very specific learning of the tasks that are essential activities of daily living. The VR systems are effective as they emphasize active participation by the patient and provide varied environments for task practice while providing immediate feedback of quality. All of these fulfill the requirements of ideal motor practice and motor learning.

Stroke survivors, in my experience, are people who have the most enthusiasm to recover; their zest to go back to doing things they used to love serves as a wonderful motivator at rehabilitation sessions. Preserved cognition, high motivations levels, and a firm conviction to go back to their old routine makes patients with stroke ideal candidates for unique rehabilitation tools. I look forward to the day when these systems are available to most hospitals at an affordable price, with simpler user interfaces so that more and more patients will benefit from the systems.

Reference

Smith, J., Hebert, D., Reid, D. (2007). Exploring the effects of virtual reality on unilateral neglect caused by stroke: Four case studies. Technology and Disability, 19(1), 29-40.

If you were left out, just leave a comment with your blog entry. Don’t worry, we’ll format it to match the blog carnival (or even include it in the main post).

Remember, we review the latest blogs related to the brain and mind that go beyond the basic sciences into a more human and multidimensional perspective. You can check our Brain Blogging archive for all editions.

For future editions, please remember to submit your blog entries using the online submission form. We will do our best to review and include your entry! Enjoy your readings…

Improving Your Mind

OEDb reports Brain Power: 100 Ways to Keep Your Mind Healthy and Fit:

If you get the newspaper, work the crossword puzzles each day. They usually get progressively more difficult as the week goes on, culminating in the most challenging puzzle on Sunday.

Glowing Face Man addresses How The Mind Learns:

Whenever we learn something infinitely complex, like a language, or how to drive, or how to interact in society, we learn by interpolation and extrapolation.

Diary From England reports Crunch Time for Alzheimer’s Sufferers:

Scientists have now discovered that celery is very good for our mental health too, as it contains a chemical which can actually help people suffering from brain diseases such as dementia, CJD and Alzheimer’s. Luteolin, an antioxidant found in celery was found to have anti-inflammatory properties that reduced brain inflammation in the brains of mice, when added to their drinking water.

Mastery of Meditation, Zen and Kundalini Yoga presents Learn How to Meditate – Beginner’s Meditation Class:

Anuloma Viloma pranayama (or Alternate Nostril Breathing) is excellent for preparing your mind for meditation. It will calm the thought waves, relax your entire system and make it easier for your to meditate. Start with 1-2 minutes and work up to 5 minutes.

ADHD Blogs writes Survivors:

If ADD were a gift, we’d publicize it — and not feel strait jacketed by everything conventional.

Sharp Brains discusses Brain Health Business Grows With Research and Demand:

A series of important events took place in 2007, a seminal year for the brain health field, beginning in January when many mainstream media publications, such as Time Magazine and CBS News, started to publish major stories on neuroplasticity and brain exercise.

Potential 2 Success offers a tutorial on how to Be Smarter in 30 Days:

This past summer I went through one of the hardest challenges in years. I decided to finish my degree by taking six classes, keep my full time job, and build this site all within about 90 days. The experience was amazing because it was almost like I flipped a switch in my brain and activated it.

Learn This reports Beliefs: They’re Entirely Yours to Control:

Beliefs are not usually something people hunt down and look for in life. They are often just felt or learned through experience over the course of time. What I find very interesting though is that its possible to deliberately create your beliefs instead of just waiting for them to show up.

Change Therapy reports Up The Down Staircase:

My sister did intervene with love. I went back to Florida and stayed with her, went to the VA hospital for psychological examination, got stuck with a chronic depression label, and found out I had hepatitis C!

To date, the mechanism of how fruits like blueberries improve memory and brain function is unclear, but it is believed that the phytochemicals they contain cross the blood brain barrier and affect learning and memory by enhancing existing neuronal (brain cell) connections. The researchers are also suggested that the improvement in memory is directly related to stimulated “signaling proteins” that can be found in the the hippocampus. The hippocampus is the part of the brain that controls memory and learning.

Additional research has pointed to not only the beneficial effects of blueberries, but also to the Acai berry as a powerful brain food. Acai berries are rich in antioxidants, but in addition, have high levels of essential fatty acids. Such large amounts of essential fatty acids is odd for a berry, but great since it is vital for efficient brain function. In the berry family, the Acai berry has the highest antioxidant level which makes them a super brain food.

The cacao bean is also being reported by some of the top health experts as the most exciting health food. Unfortunately, the benefits of the cacao bean are not as powerful in the form of a chocolate bar or Americans would be a lot healthier! The beans must be consumed after minimal processing. Ingesting a 1000% organic powder form of cacao is the best way to experience its wonderful benefits for the brain. It is probable that more in depth research will lead to an increase in organic, minimally processed cacao products that can be found in the marketplace.

As one can see, although the blueberry is quite popular among fruits, it is not the only fruit that positively affects the brain. In reference to the previously discussed blueberry study, patients who added blueberries to their daily diet over a period of 12 weeks noticed improvements in their mental function, specifically spatial working memory, in as little as 3 weeks. The additional good news about blueberries is that besides the benefits it provides for memory function, you can enjoy this healthy snack daily and your entire body will reap the benefits of its antioxidants. The researchers from the Peninsula Medical School and the University of Reading plan on performing future studies involving Alzheimer’s patients and the effect that flavonoid rich foods have on memory impairment. It is the hope of many researchers that they can unlock a secret that will lead to more effective treatments for Alzheimer’s patients and slow the progression of the disease.

Reference

WILLIAMS, C., ELMOHSEN, M., VAUZOUR, D., RENDEIRO, C., BUTLER, L., ELLIS, J., WHITEMAN, M., SPENCER, J. (2008). Blueberry-induced changes in spatial working memory correlate with changes in hippocampal CREB phosphorylation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Free Radical Biology and Medicine DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2008.04.008