She rushed into the kitchen and reached for the steaming coffee pot. Smooth, dark hair hung loose about her shoulders, framing a strikingly beautiful face. Her long legs were lean and fit, accentuated by the patterned running tights and tank top she wore. She was the picture-perfect example of a successful high-school senior; straight-A student,… read more
Eat Your Way Out of Cognitive Decline When I was a child I was told, “you are what you eat.” But somehow despite my constant consumption of baby dill pickles I didn’t grow up green, sour and bumpy. However, new scientific research is telling me that all those salty pickles probably impacted my brain development…and… read more
“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Or can you? Science has now upended what Grandpa used to tell us! The debate about whether the aging brain can still grow new neural connections (neurogenesis) has raged for decades. Trends in Neuroscience recently published an article touting strong evidence of neurogenesis that continues as we… read more
We all know and understand the overall health benefits of exercise at any age. Current research has revealed the unique importance of exercise for young adults, and how it can impact lifestyle, brain function, and future quality of life. Many young adults (age 18-35) are encountering life changes such as career development, marriage, and parenthood… read more
I went jogging with my mom the other day, and despite her looming three-quarter-century birthday coming up (75 for those non math-minded folks) she kept me on my toes. She has been a lifelong runner and physical fitness is important to her. But what about her brain health? Unfortunately, most of the aging population is… read more
The subject of cannabis (marijuana) has become highly controversial not only in politics and public media but also in the field of scientific research. There are arguably as many studies confirming the efficacy of cannabis for a variety of health benefits as there are studies touting its harmful effects. Regardless of the controversy, many states… read more
Dyslexia has been scientifically recognized as a cognitive reading deficit for the past century, yet until recently little was understood about the underlying neural mechanisms of the disorder. Diagnosis has historically been made clinically; that is, based on evidence of difficulties with reading, spelling, and writing despite otherwise typical intelligence. Early intervention programs such as… read more
The young man sat in front of his counselor and recounted the disturbing and obscure image that had been haunting him: a tricycle with front wheel spinning crookedly toward the sky, as blood seeped from beneath a mud-encrusted truck tire. “What then? Close your eyes and try to envision what happens next,” the therapist would… read more
Symptoms of ADHD and other attention struggles can manifest in very young children. Even babies and toddlers reveal signs of atypical attention patterns that can lead to later cognitive struggles. Yet there is very little scientific foundation for early intervention and few resources available for parents of toddlers with signs of attention problems. For most kids who display signs and symptoms… read more
Football season is over, and little Johnny is already begging to attend the local summer football day-camp. Watching the NFL playoffs was a great bonding time between Johnny and his dad, and that enjoyment of football is a great connection. He’s only 10, and it seems harmless enough, right? Recent research says otherwise. Neurological evaluation… read more
Every day we are confronted with a myriad of facial expressions and correlating interpretations. I head into a meeting with a new colleague: Is that a welcoming smile, a condescending smirk, or a fake show of teeth to hide nervousness? What about that look I got from my daughter’s ballet teacher: was she frowning in… read more
Juliana came in from school and rushed straight to her room. After 45 minutes of meticulously arranging her hair and make-up she sat in the afternoon sunlight by her window and smiled coquettishly into her smart phone. She spent half an hour posing, snapping pictures, and editing every perceivable flaw. Finally happy with the results,… read more
