By James M. Ellison, M.D., M.P.H.

compelling new article in USA Today about early onset Alzheimer’s reminds us that dementia is not solely a disease of the elderly.  In fact, the first patient in whom Alzheimer described the disease — that would later bear his name —  was in her 50’s when symptoms became apparent.  Diagnosis shocks young dementia victims – USATODAY.com  Though age is the most powerful risk factor for dementia, some 5 percent of those afflicted by Alzheimer’s Disease, the most common form of dementia, develop symptoms before reaching …

Once again, Ritalin is in the news. Researchers from the Queensland Brain Institute tell us that “Individuals who take Ritalin are significantly more aware of their mistakes.” Ritalin Increases Awareness of Mistakes | Psych Central News. Given the recent scare reports this is good news.  Boston Brain Fitness has an interview with Edward M. Hallowell, M.D., leader in the field of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder that addresses the earlier controversy. Dr Hallowell

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By James M. Ellison, M.D., M.P.H
Baby boomers approaching retirement age have perhaps the most defiant attitude in history. As a group, the baby boomers are proactive and instrumental in setting goals and achieving objectives. Thus, life changes associated with aging, and particularly the twin spectrums of cognitive and physical decline and disability, will be vigorously resisted by this population. This generation is also concerned with stress-related depression and how this affects memory.
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By Rebecca Shafir
Using established diagnostic and treatment principles enhanced by new research
findings, we customize a set of interventions based on the individual’s needs.
The client and the clinician (the “brain trainer”) work together 1-2x a week for 60-90 minutes a session. 
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By Rebecca Shafir
I highly suggest a fascinating book by R. Douglas Fields called “The Other Brain: From Dementia to Schizophrenia, How New Discoveries about the Brain Are Revolutionizing Medicine and Science”
These discoveries undermine the Neuron Doctrine in which the neurons “rule” the brain.
He points out the glial cells (glia is Greek for “glue”), which are not neurons, play a greater role in brain function than previously thought. Glial cells provide support and nutrition in the brain, form myelin, and participate in signal transmission. Fields, however, suggests that consciousness may arise …

By Rebecca Shafir
We treasure our memories.  But sometimes are memories are more vivid than what happened just an hour ago.  When we are overworked, sleep deprived, eating poorly, not getting enough exercise our brain plays tricks on us – we become forgetful. A summary of the research indicates that there are seven essen­tial pil­lars to main­tain a healthy brain. These are:  Phys­i­cal Exercise,  Good Nutrition,  Stress Management, Socialization, Sleep, Brain Training, Physical Exercise, and Gratitude.
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Inspired by Dr. Hallowell’s recent appearance on Dr. Oz re: ADHD and marriage, it reminded me of those many couples craving connection who would like nothing more than to be heard wholeheartedly, or mindfully. In my book “The Zen of Listening” I describe mindful listening as forgetting yourself and your assumptions (past and future), listening with curiosity to understand with the possibility of that you just might change your mind. Certainly a Herculean task for many of us, but any effort in this direction takes us closer to real connection.
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