Standard neurological exams of older adults are good predictors of future brain health and quality of life. These tests should become part of the physician’s routine examination of older adults say faculty from the Indiana University Center for Aging Research in an editorial in the June 23, 2008 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
The editorial accompanies a study by Italian researchers who used data obtained from standardized neurological exams to devise a simple scale measuring the total number of subtle neurological abnormalities found among disability-free older adults. The Italian study found that a higher number of subtle neurological abnormalities in patients without cognitive impairment at baseline predicted both cognitive and functional declines. [continue reading…]
June 2008
The rise in binge drinking in the young is a “fashion phenomenon” where drinkers are copying their associates’ behaviour, new research has shown.
A study conducted at Durham University’s Institute of Advanced Study and Volterra Consulting UK shows that social networking is a key factor in the spread of the rapid consumption of large amounts of alcohol – binge drinking – which is blamed for serious anti-social and criminal behaviour.
Researchers say the findings have major implications for Government policy makers charged with tackling the problem, which has longer-term and costly health implications for the nation. [continue reading…]
This Saturday’s The Globe and Mail began a week long series which takes a look at the stigma surrounding mental illness in Canada.
Carolyn Abraham (medical reporter for the Globe and Mail) interviews psychiatrist Dr. David Goldbloom (vice chair of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto and senior medical advisor at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health). Link here to see as video of this interview.
Following this featured article and video Dr. David Goldbloom answered questions in an online discussion. Link here to to read this feature
Todays Globe & Mail features videos of personal stories on:
Bipolar
Schizophrenia
Anxiety Disorder
OCD
Source: Globe and Mail
While reviewing this mornings newly published research self-interest propelled my choice to post this next item. For the past two weeks I have been plagued with the most excruciating pain, AKA read I have a lumbar strain or put simply backache. Induced apparently from years of sleeping on my stomach.(That will teach me). I digress, despite popping large doses of Ibuprofen nothing has helped. So while you read this next post think of me.
Having survived another rainy spring in beautiful Vancouver maybe this is the answer to my pain! I will keep you updated.
Vitamin D- A surprising champion of back painÂ
 
Up to 8 out of 10 persons will have back pain in their lifetimes. In many cases, such pains are chronic – lasting more than 3 months – and there is no evidence of any injury, disease, or bone problem like a slipped disk. An extensive review of clinical research in a new report from Pain Treatment Topics found that help may be available from a surprising champion of pain relief – Vitamin D.
