Author: Karen D. Sullivan, PhD, ABPP

For many, living though a stroke is an emotionally traumatic experience. Historically, traumatic stress-related mood disorders, such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), have been thought of as occurring after an external event like war, sexual assault, natural disaster or car accident. However, in the past 10 to 15 years, these stress conditions have been…

Any stimulus such as a smell, sound, or image that consciously or unconsciously reminds you of a traumatic event from your past can “trigger†feelings of severe anxiety and protective behaviors like anger and emotional numbness. The stimulus itself doesn’t need to be inherently menacing or disturbing and may only indirectly remind you of an…

With the variety of popular diets touting specific benefits, there is one brain-centric option that researchers believe provides a better option for a healthy brain and body in the MIND diet. An aptly named acronym for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, this diet combines the ideals of whole and natural foods and those lower in…

As we age, our ability to get a deep, continuous night’s sleep decreases due to the brain’s reduced production of human growth hormone and melatonin, and changes in our circadian rhythm (the body’s “internal clockâ€). These changes, combined with more frequent trips to the bathroom due to an enlarged prostate in men or decline in…

The value of remaining physically and mentally active as we age seems to get all the attention; however, maintaining a satisfying social life is just as important to successful aging. As social beings, we have a fundamental need to belong and contribute in meaningful ways with other people. Having a diverse social network with frequent…