Traditional treatments for pain relief have not changed much in the past 100 years, and we continue to use anti-inflammatories, sedatives, muscle relaxants and opiates. When taken properly, these medicines can be lifesavers. However, the increasing use of powerful opioid pain medications (hydrocodone, oxycodone and Fentanyl are some of the most common), particularly in older…
Tag: brain health
What Happens If I Do Not Treat My High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure or hypertension dramatically adds to the workload of your heart, arteries and veins. Your heart must pump harder, and the arteries and veins that carry and return the blood to the heart are functioning under greater strain. If high blood pressure continues for a long time, your cardiovascular system, including the blood…
Feed Your Brain with an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
The connection between poor diet and reduced physical health has been scientifically established since the 1980s. Conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, most cancers and stroke have been strongly linked to lifestyle factors, particularly a diet high in saturated animal fats and simple carbohydrates. Vegetables, fruits, nuts and fish are commonly associated with…
Lewy Body Dementia: The Most Misdiagnosed Type of Dementia
The news suggested that beloved actor Robin Williams had Lewy body dementia. Lewy body dementia is thought to be the most misdiagnosed type of dementia due to the lack of access to dementia experts and considerable overlap between Lewy body dementia and its two closest conditions: Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease with dementia. A correct…
Three Ways to Increase Your Cognitive Reserve
Cognitive reserve is an important multi-dimensional concept that is beneficial to understand for preserving the health of your brain for as long as possible. It provides the best chance for fighting back against normal brain aging and age-associated brain disorders, like dementia. Cognitive reserve is an evidence-based idea proposed by Columbia University neuropsychologist Dr. Yaakov…