A potential treatment for dementia could be designed on the back of new findings that show the benefits of reducing toxic gas levels in the brain.
The study analysed the impact of reducing the levels in the brain of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is potentially harmful to neurons.
Researchers found that H2S was blocking the activity of some cells' potassium channels, which allow electrically charged atoms to pass through.
This caused an increase in activity when these pathways were disrupted and researchers believe this overactivity is a cause of cell death.
Alzheimer’s Research UK describes dementia as ‘a group of symptoms that occur when brain cells stop working properly.’
Because of this broad definition, dementia can undertake many different forms. Current research has discovered the condition has over 100 manifestations, all of which are progessive.
Having been diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s aged 34, fashion designer Genna Douglas was left isolated and confused about how to get on with her life. To make sure no one else suffers a similar fate, she has teamed up with Parkinson’s UK and clothing giant Next to create a range of products that are raising both money and awareness.
The ordinary task of doing the washing up one day would prove to be a huge moment for Genna Douglas, after she noticed her hand was not moving properly.
While on maternity leave having just had her second daughter, doctors originally thought the problem was a damaged nerve and she was placed on a course of medication to deal with it.
When a stroke occurs, the event itself is only the start of what can often be a long road to recovery.
There are various options for survivors that can help improve their quality of life, but picking the right one can be confusing.Technology is now playing a bigger part than ever before in the rehabilitation process and often delivers life changing results.
After Helen Bulbeck’s daughter Megan was diagnosed with a brain tumour, the whole family was left isolated with little to no support. Now she is using this experience, plus her own journey with cancer, to help run the UK’s leading brain tumour support charity Brainstrust.
“It was at the time when Rohypnol was doing the rounds in the local pub, so I just thought maybe her drink had been spiked.”
This was Helen Bulbeck’s initial reaction to her daughter, Megan, collapsing after a night out and being omitted to A&E in 2006.
She later realised that it was the start of a lengthy battle, as MRI scans revealed Megan had a brain tumour.
To complicate matters, surgeons opted not to operate unless the tumour showed signs of developing.
Having worked for some of the biggest media outlets in the science industry, Ginny Smith has been making brain science accessible for several years. With the release of her first solo book, she sits down with NR Times to discuss the ever-changing world of neuroscience.
The neurotransmitters in our brains and the chemicals that go with them continue to puzzle scientists and academics.
Making sense of it all is Ginny Smith with the release of her new book. Overloaded: How Every Aspect of Your Life is Influenced by Your Brain Chemicals explores how chemicals control what we do, from basic survival instincts to more complex processes, like forming relationships.
By News desk|2024-07-04T17:44:23+01:008 April 2021|News|
A study has laid bare the pressures facing paediatric neuro-rehab professionals at the height of the pandemic, and how they were able to quickly adapt to new working practices.
It also highlights the need for greater support for families affected by neurological conditions in accessing technology; and for more research into the efficacy of remote interventions.
The Paediatric Neuro-rehabilitation Special Interest Group (PNR-SIG) charted the experiences of professionals from the start of the first lockdown and throughout subsequent months. Respondents were largely clinical or educational psychologists involved in paediatric neuro-rehab.
A specialist neurological centre is continuing to invest in its offering as it increases therapy and rehab provision for patients.
Chase Park Neuro Centre has developed its facilities over several years, with a hydropool and gym area being added in 2007 to increase therapy opportunities for residents, but efforts have redoubled since being acquired in 2016.
Under the ownership of Dr Niraj Brahmabhatt, Chase Park has brought its external therapy and psychological support services in-house, with a neuropsychologist now based on site.
Organisations from across the UK’s health and social care sector have united to call for urgent action to improve the level of technology-enabled care for dementia patients.
Around 100 private sector businesses, not-for-profit organisations and individuals have joined with 18 representative groups - including the National Care Forum, Care England, National Care Association - to call on the Government to improve the financial and strategic support in dementia care.
In an open letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the groups demand that the Government conduct an urgent review of the status and progress of the commitments set out in the Dementia 2020 Challenge.
By News desk|2024-07-04T17:44:30+01:0016 March 2021|News|
One in three stroke survivors experiences depression within five years of it happening, but a new device could help reduce this by utilising brain stimulation.
A study from the University of South Australia found that using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) improved depression among its patients.
The researchers delivered around 30,000 electromagnetic pulses to each stroke survivor’s brain over the course of two weeks, which showed positive changes in brain function.
