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March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Thu, 04 Apr 2019 02:35:24 GMT

This month is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and the Brain Injury Association of America hopes to spread awareness of brain injuries, their causes, and prevention. Despite the fact that 1.7 million cases of brain injury occur in the United States each year, not much is known about the condition.

In fact, “brain injury” is actually an umbrella term, that encompasses a number of different types of injury. Brain injuries are classified as traumatic or non-traumatic, according to the cause of the problem.

Causes of traumatic brain injuries often include:

Car accidents
Falls
Assaults
Workplace injuries
Sports and recreation injuries

Causes of non-traumatic brain injuries may include:

Strokes
Infectious diseases like meningitis or encephalitis
Seizure
Metabolic disorders
Tumors
Neurotoxic poisoning (such as carbon monoxide poisoning or lead exposure)
Drug overdose
Oxygen deprivation (from drowning, choking, and other injuries)

If you or a loved one has suffered a fall, accident, stroke, or some other event that can lead to brain injury, please be on guard for the following symptoms:

Headache
Confusion
Difficulty speaking
Vision problems
Difficulty with coordination
Personality changes
Changes in sleep patterns
Difficulty with reasoning and logic
Memory problems

Sometimes, a brain injury is not preventable. Accidents happen, as do various diseases and infections that are not always predictable. However, you can lower your risk of a brain injury by taking special care with regard to accident risk. Wear your seatbelt in the car, remove tripping hazards in your home (especially at the tops of stairs), and use caution while playing sports or during recreational activities.

With regard to health risks, one of the primary sources of brain injury in older adults is a stroke. Attend regular check-ups with your doctor, take the appropriate steps to lower blood pressure, and address other stroke risk factors as directed by your physician.

New Alzheimer’s Drug May Slow Disease Progression

Thu, 04 Apr 2019 02:31:11 GMT

This targeted therapy is already showing potential in early testing phases.

BY ROSE HAYES

In the wake of comic actor, Gene Wilder’s death from complications of Alzheimer’s disease, news outlets are buzzing with hope over a possible breakthrough drug for the disease.

The new drug, called aducanumab, was able to destroy brain plaques in people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is an incurable brain disorder that leads to problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Scientists believe that it’s caused by the buildup of strange protein clumps, called plaques and tangles, in the brain. Those clumps block brain cells from sending messages to each other and the body.

For the study, 165 individuals were split into four groups: each group was given different monthly doses of IV aducanumab over 54 weeks. One group was given a fake version of the drug, called a placebo, to make sure that the effects weren’t happening because of people’s mental state or motivation level.

The drug decreased the number of brain plaques for the 125 individuals who continued taking it for the whole length of the study—40 people dropped out because of serious side effects including fluid building up around the brain. Common, but less serious side effects included headaches and urinary tract infections.

Among people who stayed in the study, those who took the largest doses had the best results according to PET brain scans. A PET brain scan involves taking or getting injected with radioactive sugar, which helps to highlight how organs are working on powerful images.

It’s not clear if an actual sample of brain tissue would show the same results as the scans. Still, after one year, individuals actually experienced some improvements in their thinking abilities.

The small size of the group means that research on this drug still has a long way to go. More studies, with larger groups of people are being planned, so it’ll probably be at least a few years before aducanumab hits the market.

Cholestrol | Redlands, CA | Meraki Financial & Insurance Service

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 07:50:44 GMT

4 Things You Should Know About Cholesterol

Most of us know that high blood cholesterol can lead to the development of serious health concerns, such as heart disease. But because of changing scientific advancements over the past few decades, many are still confused over certain topics concerning cholesterol. Were you aware of the following facts?

All cholesterol is not bad. Cholesterol has earned a bad name, thanks to dire news reports, but some cholesterol is necessary for the diet. It regulates hormones, maintains cell membranes, promotes healthy digestion, and aids in the production of vitamin D. It even helps your brain to form and protect memories. As with many dietary topics, balance is key. You don’t want too much cholesterol, but too little isn’t ideal either.

Butter and eggs are bad. This myth is based on outdated information. Now we know that the saturated fat in butter can actually be good for you – but in moderation, please! Eggs are a source of other vital nutrients, like lutein and zeaxanthin, so there’s no need to cut those out of your diet, either. Just make sure you also incorporate fats from other sources, like olive oil and eggs.

It’s not all about fat. Recent research actually indicates that watching your intake of simple carbohydrates, like white flour and sugar, can actually help to lower your blood cholesterol levels.

If you have high cholesterol levels, medication may be the best way to fix it. For some people with conditions such as heart disease, a class of drugs called statins can be absolutely necessary and life-saving. But for others, who have high cholesterol but don’t yet have heart disease or another serious condition, prescription medication might not be necessary. If you’d like to avoid drug use and potential side effects, consult with your doctor about lifestyle changes that can lower your cholesterol levels. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and quitting smoking can actually improve your health more effectively than prescriptions!

If you haven’t had your cholesterol levels checked lately, or have questions about cholesterol, make sure to mention these topics at your next check-up. Your physician can clear up any misconceptions and help you learn about the best ways to protect your heart.

Effects Of Depression | Redlands, CA | Meraki Financial & Insurance Service

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 07:42:24 GMT

The Effects of Depression on the Brain

What Is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that affects the way you think, feel, and behave. It causes feelings of sadness or hopelessness that can last anywhere from a few days to a few years. This is different than being upset about a minor setback or disappointment in your day.

Some people may experience mild depression only once in their lives, while others have several severe episodes over their lifetime. This more serious, long-lasting and intense form of depression is known as a major depressive disorder (MDD). It may also be referred to as clinical depression or major depression.

The symptoms of MDD significantly interfere with daily activities, such as school, work, and social events. They also impact mood and behavior as well as various physical functions, such as sleep and appetite. To be diagnosed with MDD, you must display five or more of the following symptoms at least once a day over the course of two weeks:

persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness
lack of interest in doing most activities, including those you once enjoyed
decrease or increase in appetite accompanied by extreme weight loss or weight gain
sleeping too much or too little
restlessness
fatigue
excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt or worthlessness
difficulty making decisions, thinking, and/or concentrating
multiple thoughts of death or suicide
a suicide attempt

People of any age may develop MDD, but the average age of onset is 32. According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, approximately 14.8 million American adults, or 6.7 percent of the United States population over age 18, are affected by MDD every year. The disorder also occurs in about one in 33 children and one in eight teens. In both children and adults, MDD may be treated with psychological counseling, antidepressant medication, or a combination of both therapies.

Researchers don’t know exactly why some people develop MDD, but they believe the following factors may play a role:

genetics: It appears that people with a family history of MDD are more likely to develop the disorder than others.
stress: A stressful life event, such a divorce or death of a loved one, can trigger an episode of MDD.
biochemical reactions: Chemicals in the brains of people with MDD seem to function differently than those in the brains of those without he disorder.

hormone imbalances: Changes in the balance of hormones may trigger MDD in certain people, especially during menopause or during and after pregnancy.

Depression Affects Brain | Redlands, CA | Meraki Financial & Insurance Service

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

How Does Depression Affect the Brain?

There are three parts of the brain that appear to play a role in MDD: the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex.

The hippocampus is located near the center of the brain. It stores memories and regulates the production of a hormone called cortisol. The body releases cortisol during times of physical and mental stress, including during times of depression. Problems can occur when excessive amounts of cortisol are sent to the brain due to a stressful event or a chemical imbalance in the body. In a healthy brain, brain cells (neurons) are produced throughout a person’s adult life in a part of the hippocampus called the dentate gyrus. In people with MDD, however, the long-term exposure to increased cortisol levels can slow the production of new neurons and cause the neurons in the hippocampus to shrink. This can lead to memory problems.

The prefrontal cortex is located in the very front of the brain. It is responsible for regulating emotions, making decisions, and forming memories. When the body produces an excess amount of cortisol, the prefrontal cortex also appears to shrink.

The amygdala is the part of the brain that facilitates emotional responses, such as pleasure and fear. In people with MDD, the amygdala becomes enlarged and more active as a result of constant exposure to high levels of cortisol. An enlarged and hyperactive amygdala, along with abnormal activity in other parts of the brain, can result in disturbances in sleep and activity patterns. It can also cause the body to release irregular amounts of hormones and other chemicals in the body, leading to further complications.

Many researchers believe high cortisol levels play the biggest role in changing the physical structure and chemical activities of the brain, triggering the onset of MDD. Normally, cortisol levels are highest in the morning and decrease at night. In people with MDD, however, cortisol levels are always elevated, even at night.

How Can Treatment Change the Brain?

Experts have found that balancing the amount of cortisol and other chemicals in the brain can help reverse any shrinkage of the hippocampus and treat the memory problems it may cause. Correcting the body’s chemical levels can also help reduce symptoms of MDD.

There are several common medications that can fight the negative effects of depression on the brain by helping to balance the chemicals in the brain. These include:

selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs): These drugs can help alleviate symptoms of MDD by changing the levels of a chemical called serotonin in the brain. Examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and citalopram (Celexa).
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants: When used together, these medications can relieve MDD symptoms by altering the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals help boost mood and energy levels. Examples of SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and trimipramine (Surmontil) are examples of tricyclic antidepressants.

norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs): These medications aid people with MDD by increasing levels of the mood-boosting chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is a type of NDRI that may be used.
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): These drugs help ease symptoms of MDD by increasing the amount of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine in the brain. They can also improve brain cell communication
atypical antidepressants: This group of medications includes tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. These drugs can block brain cell communication in order to relax the body.

Besides medications, certain medical procedures can also affect the brain to help ease symptoms of MDD. These include:

electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which involves passing electrical currents through the brain to boost communication between brain cells
transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which involves sending electrical pulses into the brain cells that regulate mood

Researchers also believe that psychotherapy can alter brain structure and help relieve MDD symptoms. Specifically, psychotherapy appears to strengthen the prefrontal cortex.

There are other ways to boost brain health and help recover from MDD without medical intervention. These include:

eating healthful foods and staying active, which stimulates brain cells and strengthens communication between brain cells
sleeping well, which helps grow and repair brain cells
avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs, which can destroy brain cells

Talk to your doctor about which treatments may be best for you.

Having depression can lead to a reduced quality of life, and could even contribute to health problems such as weight gain. But now, new research indicates another important concern. A new study from the University of Miami has discovered a correlation between depression and increased risk of stroke.

A long-term (fourteen-year) study found that older adults who suffered from depression at the beginning of the study period were 75 percent more likely to experience an ischemic stroke. An ischemic stroke is one of the two main types of stroke (hemorrhagic is the other). With an ischemic stroke, a blood flow blockage results in damage to the brain.

The study’s author was careful to clarify that this correlation does not necessarily indicate that depression causes stroke. But since the two are highly related, it’s an area of study that warrants more investigation.

Depression is common in retirees, for many reasons. Sometimes, the end of a career leads to emptiness or boredom. Loneliness can play a part as well; the absence of a work routine, or the illness of a spouse, can contribute to isolation.

Whether or not depression actually causes strokes, or they’re merely related in some other way, taking care of your mental health is essential. As you transition into retirement, remember to have a plan for your days; simply stopping work isn’t usually as enjoyable as people had imagined! Create some structure in your life, plan for activities outside the home, and include some social time with friends or family.

In addition, the following tips can prevent depression:

Exercise regularly
Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet, avoiding excess sugar
Identify sources of stress and create strategies to address it
Get regular, quality sleep each night
Avoid alcohol and drugs
Report symptoms of depression to your doctor – sometimes depression is a side effect of certain medications

And of course, remember to seek help if you ever feel that you need it. Trained mental health professionals can help you identify the source(s) of your feelings, and guide you toward developing solutions.

Financial Planning

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 09:26:22 GMT

Financial planning involves looking at your entire financial situation and laying out a plan to take you in the direction you want to go.

It involves looking at the type of mortgage you have (as well as all types of debt), your insurance needs and current coverage, company benefits such as 401(k) plans, stock options or deferred comp plans. Other items include family situation, career stability, spending habits, legal documents, and retirement plans. basically A good financial planner will look at everything having to do with your money and help you craft a plan of attack that will help you reach your goals.

A financial planner shows you what types of accounts to contribute to, and how over time, that should lead to a targeted net worth or account value size as you near retirement.

Investment Advice

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 09:23:02 GMT

Investment advice is just one small piece of financial planning. It has to do with where you put your money and can include picking funds inside your 401(k) plan, choosing stocks and bonds, and evaluating the risks of putting your money into a new business venture.

Investment advisors usually have a specialty such as managing bonds, stocks, creating and managing options strategies, or managing mutual funds using an asset allocation approach. Some investment advisors specialize in doing due diligence and screening other advisors to pick the right type of advisor for each category.

Always ask an investment advisor what their specialty is before hiring them. Be cautious of someone who says they invest in every investment type because no investment advisor can be good at everything. A good investment advisor knows when to seek outside expertise for certain parts of your portfolio.

Retirement Planning

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Retirement planning involves a skill set that goes beyond basic financial planning or providing investment advice.

A retirement planner's job is to take all of your financial assets and create a plan that results in the delivery of reliable monthly income once you aren't working. They consider all of your assets including Social Security, pensions and 401(k)s, any part-time work you're doing, and how your spouse's income factors into the calculations.

A retirement planner will project out how much retirement income you may expect to have at what date, and which accounts to draw out of. They can show you how much you'll expect to pay in taxes and for health care costs. They show you how inflation may affect your spending needs, and what decisions will help put the future 80-year-old you in a more secure position.

Although other financial advisers will help you think ahead and plan for retirement.