Things you need to know about Neuropathy

 Neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of one or more nerves, typically in the peripheral nervous system (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord). This condition can lead to pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, and changes in sensation in the affected areas.

 Neuropathy can result from various causes, including:

Diabetes: Diabetic neuropathy is a common type of neuropathy that occurs in people with diabetes due to prolonged high blood sugar levels damaging the nerves.

Trauma: Physical injuries, such as from accidents, sports injuries, or surgeries, can damage nerves and lead to neuropathy.

Infections: Certain infections, such as shingles, HIV/AIDS, Lyme disease, and hepatitis C, can cause neuropathy.

Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Guillain-Barré syndrome can trigger the immune system to attack the nerves.

Toxins: Exposure to toxins, such as heavy metals, chemotherapy drugs, or excessive alcohol consumption, can damage nerves and cause neuropathy.

Genetics: Some inherited disorders can lead to neuropathy, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Treatment for neuropathy aims to manage symptoms, prevent further nerve damage, and address the underlying cause when possible. Depending on the severity and type of neuropathy, treatment options may include:

 

Medications: Pain relievers, such as over-the-counter drugs (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen) or prescription medications (e.g., gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine), may help alleviate neuropathic pain. In some cases, topical treatments or nerve blocks may be recommended.

Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches prescribed by a physical therapist can help improve strength, mobility, and coordination and reduce pain associated with neuropathy.

Lifestyle modifications: Managing underlying conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases, through proper diet, exercise, medication, and monitoring can help prevent further nerve damage. Avoiding activities or behaviours that exacerbate symptoms, such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, is also important.

Alternative therapies: Some individuals may relieve neuropathic symptoms through complementary and alternative approaches, such as acupuncture, massage therapy, biofeedback, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

Nutritional supplements: Certain vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins (e.g., B12), alpha-lipoic acid, and acetyl-L-carnitine, may have potential benefits for nerve health and neuropathic symptoms.

Surgery: In severe cases of neuropathy, particularly when compression of nerves or structural abnormalities contribute to symptoms, surgical interventions such as decompression surgery or nerve repair may be considered.

Individuals with neuropathy need to work closely with healthcare professionals, such as neurologists, primary care physicians, or pain management specialists, to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. Additionally, early diagnosis and intervention can help prevent or minimise complications associated with neuropathy.

Alternative medicine approaches may offer complementary options for managing neuropathy symptoms. However, it's important to note that these methods may not suit everyone, and evidence supporting their effectiveness can vary. Here are some alternative medicine options that individuals with neuropathy may consider:

 

Acupuncture: Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate nerve function, improve blood flow, and reduce pain. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help alleviate neuropathic pain in specific individuals.

 

Acupressure: Similar to acupuncture, acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to promote healing and relieve pain. While research on acupressure specifically for neuropathy is limited, some people find it helpful for managing symptoms.

 

Herbal supplements: Certain herbs and plant extracts may have potential benefits for neuropathy symptoms. Examples include evening primrose oil, alpha-lipoic acid, capsaicin (from chili peppers), and ginkgo biloba. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before taking herbal supplements, as they may interact with medications or have side effects.

 

Massage therapy: Massage therapy can help improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate pain associated with neuropathy. Gentle techniques, such as Swedish massage or reflexology, may particularly benefit individuals with neuropathy.

 

Yoga and tai chi: Mind-body practices like yoga and tai chi incorporate gentle movements, stretching, and relaxation techniques, which can help improve balance, flexibility, and overall well-being. Some studies suggest that yoga and tai chi help reduce neuropathic pain and improve quality of life in individuals with neuropathy.

 

Mindfulness meditation: Mindfulness-based practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance coping skills for managing neuropathy symptoms.

 

Dietary supplements: Certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, may support nerve health and function. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider before taking dietary supplements, as they may interact with medications or have side effects.

 

It's essentia to approach alternative medicine approaches for neuropathy as complementary to conventional treatments rather than replacements. Before trying any alternative therapies, individuals should consult with a healthcare provider to ensure they are safe and appropriate, especially if they have underlying medical conditions or are taking medications. Additionally, it's essential to continue following any prescribed treatment plans and regularly communicate with healthcare providers about symptoms and progress.

What you need to know about Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity, also known as brain plasticity, refers to the brain's remarkable ability to reorganize and adapt throughout an individual's life in response to various experiences, learning, injury, or environmental changes. This process involves the brain's capacity to rewire its neural connections, modify its structure, and adjust its functions. Neuroplasticity is a fundamental property of the brain that underlies learning, memory, recovery from injury, and even the development of new skills and habits.

 

There are two main types of neuroplasticity:

 

Structural Plasticity: This type of plasticity involves physical changes in the brain's structure. It includes the creation of new neurons (neurogenesis), the formation of new synaptic connections (synaptogenesis), and the pruning or elimination of unused or unnecessary connections (synaptic pruning). Structural plasticity allows the brain to adapt to new information, experiences, and skills.

 

Functional Plasticity: Functional plasticity refers to the brain's ability to redistribute functions across different areas in response to damage or changes in demand. If a specific brain region is injured or less active, nearby or distant regions can compensate for the lost function. For example, after a stroke, other parts of the brain may take over some of the functions that were impaired due to the stroke.

 

Neuroplasticity occurs throughout an individual's life, but it is most prominent during early development (critical periods) when the brain is highly adaptable and flexible. However, even in adulthood, the brain retains a degree of plasticity, allowing for ongoing learning and adaptation.

 

Several factors can influence and enhance neuroplasticity:

 

Experience and Learning: Engaging in new activities, acquiring new skills, and learning new information can stimulate neuroplastic changes in the brain. Repeatedly practicing a skill or exposing oneself to novel experiences can strengthen neural connections.

 

Environmental Enrichment: A stimulating and enriched environment, both mentally and physically, can promote neuroplasticity. This includes exposure to diverse stimuli, social interaction, and physical exercise.

 

Neurorehabilitation: After brain injuries or conditions like stroke, rehabilitation programs that focus on specific tasks and exercises can help promote functional recovery through neuroplastic changes.

 

Neurotransmitters and Neuromodulators: Chemical signals in the brain, such as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, play a role in regulating neuroplasticity. For example, substances like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are known to promote synaptic plasticity.

 

Genetics: Individual genetic factors can influence the extent and rate of neuroplastic changes.

 

Understanding neuroplasticity has significant implications for various fields, including education, rehabilitation, and neuroscience. It highlights the importance of lifelong learning and the potential for recovery and adaptation following brain injuries or neurological disorders. Researchers continue to study neuroplasticity to uncover ways to harness its potential for improving cognitive function, treating brain-related conditions, and enhancing human performance.

 

 

 

 

  

Which parts of the brain are activated by music?

When a person listens to music or practices music, their brain is activated in unique ways. For listeners, music activates the brain by setting off “fireworks”; quickly decoding each element of a piece (melody, rhythm, etc.) and combining it again to hear the song unified. But studies have shown that for music players, the activity in the brain when playing or practicing is much more intricate – equivalent to a full body workout.

Music has the power to motivate and soothe, no doubt about it. But how and why does it affect us? Why do certain songs trigger excitement or make us grin? Why do others bring relaxation, tears, or send shivers down our spines?

These are questions some scientists are asking in their laboratories. They are studying how our brains process music and learning why we respond in the ways we do. They are using new technologies to explore why music—whether it’s reggae, rap, rock, or Rachmaninoff—is celebrated in every human culture.

Exploring how our brains work is one of the most exciting areas of modern-day science. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other high-tech scanners let researchers see which parts of our brains tackle different tasks. With MRIs, a person is slid inside a tube-shaped tank. Then the machine finds where his or her brain “lights up” when undertaking certain activities, such as reading or doing math problems. The scan can also spot what parts of the brain go to work as the person sees pictures, hears sounds, or feels sensations.

How the brain processes music is an exciting area of this research. Researchers have discovered that the brain does not have one special place to analyze music. Instead, different parts of the brain handle different aspects of a song, like rhythm (the beat) and tone (pitch and loudness). And one of the most mind-blowing discoveries is that the parts of the brain that deal with emotions also fire up in response to music. In other words, music is wired directly into our feelings.

The Brain

Once the nerves deliver musical signals inside the skull, the brain goes to work. Researchers now realize music is not just processed in one part of the brain. Performing and listening to music gives big chunks of your brain a workout.

Use the labeled images in the slide player (below) to locate the parts of the brain highlighted in the text. Once you've found them, see if you can locate them on the unlabeled images!

Rhythm 

The belt and parabelt are located on the right side of the brain. They are mainly responsible for figuring out a song’s rhythm. When creating rhythm by tapping toes or beating a drum, the motor cortex and cerebellum get involved.

Pitch and Tone 

The recognition and understanding of pitch and tone are mainly handled by the auditory cortex. This part of the brain also does a lot of the work to analyze a song’s melody and harmony. Some research shows that the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex contribute, too.

Anticipation 

Research shows our brains create expectations when listening to a song. For example, it would figure out if a beat is steady or the melody makes sense. But we especially like it when songs surprise us with smart, quirky changes. This analysis takes place in the brain’s prefrontal cortex.

Memory 

People have an amazing ability to remember music. Chances are you can recognize your favorite song after hearing just a fragment. These memories are stored in the hippocampus.

Performance 

Musical acts like reading music, playing an instrument, and dancing fires up the cerebellum, motor cortex, sensory cortex, and visual cortex.

Emotion 

Music has the power to trigger feelings in listeners. Three main areas of the brain are responsible for these emotional responses: nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and the cerebellum.

https://www.kennedy-center.org/

https://news.mit.edu/

Mhttps://www.creativesoulmusic.com/usic and feelings have always gone together. 

What is Nystagmus?

Nystagmus is a condition that causes involuntary, rapid movement of one or both eyes. It often occurs with vision problems, including blurriness.

This condition is sometimes called “dancing eyes.”

Symptoms of nystagmus

The symptoms include fast, uncontrollable eye movements. The direction of movement determines the type of nystagmus:

• Horizontal nystagmus involves side-to-side eye movements.
• Vertical nystagmus involves up-and-down eye movements.
• Rotary, or torsional, nystagmus involves circular movements.

These movements may occur in one or both eyes depending on the cause.

Types of nystagmus

Nystagmus occurs when the part of the brain or inner ear that regulates eye movement and positioning doesn’t function correctly.

The labyrinth is the outer wall of the inner ear that helps you sense movement and position. It also helps control eye movements. The condition can be either genetic or acquired.

Infantile nystagmus syndrome

Congenital nystagmus is called infantile nystagmus syndrome (INS). It may be an inherited genetic condition. INS typically appears within the first six weeks to three months of a child’s life.

This type of nystagmus is usually mild and isn’t typically caused by an underlying health problem. In rare cases, a congenital eye disease could cause INS. Albinism is one genetic condition associated with INS.

Most people with INS won’t need treatment and don’t have complications later in life. In fact, many people with INS don’t even notice their eye movements. However, vision challenges are common.

Vision problems can range from mild to severe, and many people require corrective lenses or decide to have corrective surgery.

Acquired nystagmus

Acquired, or acute, nystagmus can develop at any stage of life. It often occurs due to injury or disease. Acquired nystagmus typically occurs due to events that affect the labyrinth in the inner ear.

Possible causes of acquired nystagmus

Possible causes of acquired nystagmus include:

• stroke
• certain medications, including sedatives and antiseizure medications like phenytoin (Dilantin)
• excessive alcohol consumption
• head injury or trauma
• diseases of the eye
• diseases of the inner ear
• B-12 or thiamine deficiencies
• brain tumours
• diseases of the central nervous system, including multiple sclerosis

When to seek treatment for nystagmus

See your doctor if you begin to notice symptoms of nystagmus. Acquired nystagmus always occurs due to an underlying health condition. You’ll want to determine what that condition is and how best to treat it.

How Do You Treat Nystagmus?

If you developed nystagmus as an adult, there may be simple things you can do to lessen its effects. Sometimes you may just have to stop a medicine or quit drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

 Wear the right contacts or glasses to improve vision. It won't cure nystagmus, but it can help with other eye problems that can make it worse.

 Eye muscle surgery may be an option. The goal is to help with the head tilt that often comes with nystagmus. Sometimes surgery improves vision, too.

 Some drugs may ease symptoms in adults but not children. These include the anti-seizure medicine gabapentin (Neurontin), the muscle relaxant baclofen (Lioresal), and onabotulinumtoxina (Botox).

 For people who are very nearsighted, LASIK or Visian ICL can help improve eyesight. The surgeon may advise you to take relaxation medication before the procedure to lessen the nystagmus.

 

 

Tips for Living With Nystagmus

There are things you can do at home to make it easier to deal with your "dancing eyes." Use large-print books and turn up the print size on your computer, tablet, and phone. More lighting may help with vision, too.

 

If your child has nystagmus, encourage them to use their eyes. Big and brightly colored toys are the easiest to use. Choose toys that make noise and have unique textures.

 

Let your child hold books close to their eyes with their head tilted. Let them wear a hat or tinted glasses -- even indoors -- to reduce glare.

 

Talk to your child's teacher to make things easier at school. It would be hard for them to share books or papers. Let them choose where to sit so they can see the board and the teacher.

Understanding Cellular Clock Synchronization

Mice without a brain clock lose the synchronization between the different organs, as shown in the bioluminescence profile (right). In the liver, however, synchronization is maintained. Credit: UNIGE
Circadian clocks, which regulate the metabolic functions of all living beings over a period of about 24 hours, are one of the most fundamental biological mechanisms. In humans, their disruption is the cause of many metabolic diseases such as diabetes or serious liver diseases. Although scientists have been studying this mechanism for many years, little is known about how it works. Thanks to an observation tool based on bioluminescence, a research team from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) were able to demonstrate that cells that compose a particular organ can be in-phase, even in the absence of the central brain clock or of any other clocks in the body. Indeed, the scientists managed to restore circadian function in the liver in completely arrhythmic mice, demonstrating that neurons are not unique in their ability to coordinate. 

Using new imaging technology, researchers find cellular clocks in a given organ can be synchronized without the intervention of external signals.

Scientists now want to understand how these cells stay in the same phase when they are not receiving any information, either from the brain or from other external signals. Their hypothesis? The existence of a form of coupling, in the form of an exchange of molecules between these different

cells.

Thanks

Cecile G. Tamura

The neural correlates of empathy

Empathy is characterized by the ability to understand and share an emotional experience with another person and is closely tied to compassion and concern for others. Consequently, this increased emotional awareness and sensitivity may also be related to increased anxiety.

The link is to a commentary on research, which identified the neural circuits involved when mice feel another mouse's pain (empathize with them).  This will allow us to identify variations in the noted circuitry that result in lower or higher empathy.  In the future, it will also allow us to identify the developmental genes that create these neural correlates of empathy.  I judge the chances that these same neural correlates of empathy are found in humans as very high.

Finding those genes in mice will allow us to use simple genetic screens to determine if people with low empathy have learned that less-than-socially-desired behavior or if they have inherited a suite of genes that makes them more susceptible to expressing low empathy.  Perhaps those "susceptibility" genes have "crossed paths" with a particular environmental cue that essentially triggered them to reframe these neural correlates of empathy.

https://science.sciencemag.org/content/371/6525/122?fbclid=IwAR04tq_R92sbtLjgWdTbY76P5rEOSvCLOmfHSsp-QIk41ZJ4Jxp9W4oXies https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2019.00094/full

How the brain is built

From birth to age 5, a child’s brain develops more than at any other time in life. And early brain development has a lasting impact on a child’s ability to learn and succeed in school and life. The quality of a child’s experiences in the first few years of life – positive or negative – helps shape how their brain develops. An excellent, open access review on the common mechanisms used to development the framework for both seeing and hearing.  It's obviously "heavy on neuroscience," but most readers interested in how the brain is built will learn a lot.

You will learn that the brain is not...repeat, NOT!...a "blank slate," from which individual experience then carves the specialized circuits that make humans a uniquely intelligent creature.  Instead, an inherited network of developmental genes ensures that hundreds or perhaps even thousands of specialized neurons are directed to specialized brain regions (e.g., sent to the visual cortex).  Because of where they are directed plus their unique properties, these neurons form synapses.  That is, they connect with one another to form the circuits (i.e. "wiring diagrams") that give us vision and hearing.

That fundamental, gene-directed circuitry constitutes a framework, which thereafter is modified via two types of plasticity: organizational and activational plasticity.  Organizational plasticity ensures massive movement of circuits; connections are broken and new ones made elsewhere.  This type of plasticity is experienced by the congenitally blind.  For these people, something (many possibilities exist) has gone wrong so that the "genetically intended" framework is replaced by something quite different.

The other type of plasticity, activational plasticity, is also under genetic guidance.  Many genes controlling neuronal function in brain regions controlling sensory functions have evolved to "listen" for certain environmental signals (e.g., not enough growth factors, called neurotrophins).  If they receive the signal, the fundamental framework is slightly altered.  If they receive a different signal (or scarcity of neurotrophins), the framework is slightly altered.  All of this happens because of individual experience.

This review studies only vision and hearing, two sensory regions, but the mechanisms are the same for brain regions that give us thinking, planning, and thoughts of the future: the nonsensory neocortex.

The neocortex's circuitry is framed by inherited developmental genes, and those environmental signals that result in plasticity (probably; work is ongoing) work through the brain's specialized immune system (microglia) to carve circuits that give us things like universal grammar, ease of language learning, theory of mind, intuitive supernatural agency, and various instinctive knowledge of physical laws.  Those are not learned, but rather are under genetic control in the same manner as the circuits discussed above.

Finally, so many development genes are involved in the above mechanisms it is inevitable that we all differ in our "suite" of such genes (our genotypes vary).  In fact, our DNA has "hotspots" that have evolved to mutate more often so that a greater variety of "brain building genes" results.  Natural selection requires such variety in order to become more and more "fit" (a specialized, evolutionary term with a specific meaning; don't think "fit" as in suited for the gym).  Thus, we all inherit some slight (or, in some cases like schizophrenia and autism, significant) differences in the framework that our individual experiences have to work with.  As you can imagine, if the framework is different, then the same signal received by two people will result in a slightly (or greatly) modified post-experience brain circuit.  Thus, we all behave differently...in some part...because we inherited different genes.

Microvascular Injury in the Brains of Patients with Covid-19

In an in-depth study of how COVID-19 affects a patient's brain, researchers consistently spotted hallmarks of damage caused by thinning and leaky brain blood vessels in tissue samples from patients who died shortly after contracting the disease. In addition, they saw no signs of SARS-CoV-2 in the tissue samples, suggesting the damage was not caused by a direct viral attack on the brain.

http://sciencemission.com/site/index.php?page=news...

Link Between Religious Fundamentalism And Brain Damage

A study published in the journal Neuropsychologia has shown that religious fundamentalism is, in part, the result of a functional impairment in a brain region known as the prefrontal cortex. The findings suggest that damage to particular areas of the prefrontal cortex indirectly promotes religious fundamentalism by diminishing cognitive flexibility and openness—a psychology term that describes a personality trait which involves dimensions like curiosity, creativity, and open-mindedness. 

“We need to understand how distinct religious beliefs are from moral, legal, political, and economic beliefs in their representations in the brain, the nature of conversion from one belief system to another, the difference between belief and agency, and the nature of the depth of knowledge that individuals use to access and report their beliefs.” – Grafman

This can't be true of all followers. That brain damage came first and then the fundamentalism. But could being raised or living in a family/community that puts great social pressure to conform to such beliefs shape the brain to a similar pattern? High use of the neural pathways in the belief system making a stronger neural path and unused paths for anything contradictory making it neurologically difficult to question authority? The brain can shape the belief but in an undamaged brain does the belief and frequent reinforcement shape the brain in a way that makes it difficult to question authority?

I know several people who were raised in such households and did give up their blind faiths when going out in the world showed them that many people do have other beliefs and often happier, more successful and have good integrity and character. They escaped the bonds of early imprinting.

For those who refuse to question or question and return to their core beliefs, could their brains have been shaped by exposure to the teachings, rituals, services, and come to resemble that of those who started with brain damage

https://www.patheos.com/

http://churchandstate.org.uk/

Julie Alexander

 

How To Fix Your Short Term Memory Loss

Various of conditions — not only Alzheimer's disease — can cause memory loss in older adults. Getting a prompt diagnosis and appropriate care is important. 

Short Term Memory Loss can lead to:

• asking the same questions repeatedly
• forgetting where you just put something
• forgetting recent events
• forgetting something you saw or read recently

Short-term memory is how your brain stores small amounts of information it’s just taken in. To scientists, short-term memory is often divided between working memory and short-term memory. People typically talk about short-term memory without making such distinctions.

To avoid the consequences 

1. Include physical activity in your daily routine

Physical activity increases blood flow to your whole body, including your brain. This might help keep your memory sharp.

For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity, such as jogging — preferably spread throughout the week. If you don't have time for a full workout, squeeze in a few 10-minute walks throughout the day.

2. Stay mentally active

Just as physical activity helps keep your body in shape, mentally stimulating activities help keep your brain in shape — and might keep memory loss at bay. Do crossword puzzles. Play bridge. Take alternate routes when driving. Learn to play a musical instrument. Volunteer at a local school or community organization.

3. Socialize regularly

Social interaction helps ward off depression and stress, both of which can contribute to memory loss. Look for opportunities to get together with loved ones, friends and others — especially if you live alone.

4. Get organized

You're more likely to forget things if your home is cluttered and your notes are in disarray. Jot down tasks, appointments and other events in a special notebook, calendar or electronic planner.

You might even repeat each entry out loud as you jot it down to help cement it in your memory. Keep to-do lists current and check off items you've completed. Set aside a place for your wallet, keys, glasses and other essentials.

Limit distractions and don't do too many things at once. If you focus on the information that you're trying to retain, you're more likely to recall it later. It might also help to connect what you're trying to retain to a favorite song or another familiar concept.

5. Sleep well

Sleep plays an important role in helping you consolidate your memories, so you can recall them down the road. Make getting enough sleep a priority. Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep a day.

6. Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet might be as good for your brain as it is for your heart. Eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Choose low-fat protein sources, such as fish, beans and skinless poultry. What you drink counts, too. Too much alcohol can lead to confusion and memory loss. So can drug use.

7. Manage chronic conditions

Follow your doctor's treatment recommendations for medical conditions, such as depression, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and hearing loss. The better you take care of yourself, the better your memory is likely to be. In addition, review your medications with your doctor regularly. Various medications can affect memory.

Reversible causes of memory loss

Many medical problems can cause memory loss or other dementia-like symptoms. Most of these conditions can be treated. Your doctor can screen you for conditions that cause reversible memory impairment.

Possible causes of reversible memory loss include:

• Medications. Certain medications or a combination of medications can cause forgetfulness or confusion.
• Minor head trauma or injury. A head injury from a fall or accident — even if you don't lose consciousness — can cause memory problems.
• Emotional disorders. Stress, anxiety or depression can cause forgetfulness, confusion, difficulty concentrating and other problems that disrupt daily activities.
• Alcoholism. Chronic alcoholism can seriously impair mental abilities. Alcohol can also cause memory loss by interacting with medications.
• Vitamin B-12 deficiency. Vitamin B-12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. A vitamin B-12 deficiency — common in older adults — can cause memory problems.
• Hypothyroidism. An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can result in forgetfulness and other thinking problems.
• Brain diseases. A tumor or infection in the brain can cause memory problems or other dementia-like symptoms.

When to seek help for memory loss

If you're worried about memory loss — especially if memory loss affects your ability to complete your usual daily activities or if you notice your memory getting worse — talk to your doctor. He or she will likely do a physical exam, as well as check your memory and problem-solving skills.

Sometimes other tests are needed as well. Treatment will depend on what's contributing to your memory loss.

Thanks : https://www.mayoclinic.org/,https://www.healthline.com/

Neural mechanisms behind support for political violence

Psychologists have often studied the "bright side" of morality—its role in promoting cooperation, for example. But new research from the University of Chicago suggests that morality also has a "dark side": Sometimes, social values held with moral conviction can be used to justify violence.

The study, led by Prof. Jean Decety, used MRI scanning to map participants' evaluations of photos of political violence—defined as physical assaults of other people, not property damage—that were either aligned with or contrary to the views they held.

"When study participants held strong moral convictions and saw photos of violent protests that were congruent with their own views, we detected activation in the reward system in the brain—almost as if the violence was a 'valuable' thing," said Decety, a cognitive neuroscientist and leading scholar of moral psychology.

Thanks:Robert Stonjek

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-11-explores-neural-mechanisms-political-violence.html?fbclid=IwAR0ZC99CBsWDs1e4yP09PbN4QU4iIW34OFTfsiEY7GPRT7j2emDueYKFFIA

What is Consciousness

"Electromagnetic energy in the brain enables brain matter to create our consciousness and our ability to be aware and think, according to a new theory developed by Professor Johnjoe McFadden from the University of Surrey.

Publishing his theory in the journal Neuroscience of Consciousness, Professor McFadden posits that consciousness is in fact the brain’s energy field. This theory could pave the way toward the development of conscious AI, with robots that are aware and have the ability to think becoming a reality."

"Consciousness is physically integrated, and causally active, information encoded in the brain’s global electromagnetic field, according to the conscious electromagnetic information (cemi) field theory developed by University of Surrey’s Professor Johnjoe McFadden.

Early theories on what our consciousness is and how it has been created tended towards the supernatural, suggesting that humans and probably other animals possess an immaterial soul that confers consciousness, thought and free will — capabilities that inanimate objects lack.

Most scientists today have discarded this view, known as dualism, to embrace a ‘monistic’ view of a consciousness generated by the brain itself and its network of billions of nerves.

By contrast, Professor McFadden proposes a scientific form of dualism based on the difference between matter and energy, rather than matter and soul." Disorders of consciousness Disorders of consciousness typically occur following severe acquired traumatic brain injury that disrupts the brain systems involved in arousal and conscious awareness. Coma patients show no signs of being awake and no signs of conscious awareness. A coma usually lasts up to one month; after that, a patient may progress into a vegetative state, in which they are awake but show no overt signs of awareness, or into a minimally conscious state, in which they inconsistently show a little awareness of themselves and their environment. Patients are more likely to recover from the minimally conscious state than from the vegetative state; currently, however, it is very difficult for clinicians to tell these two conditions apart.
 The proposal to use psychedelics as a treatment for patients with consciousness disorders is based on the theoretical concept of brain complexity. The vertebrate brain is segregated into localized areas that differ in their structure and function, but perception and behavior require global integration of information from these multiple areas. Brain complexity is a measure of the interplay between segregation and integration, and can be defined as the extent to which individual neurons interact across multiple scales.

Thanks

Robert Stonjek,https://dana.org