Memory LossWritten by Dr. Michael L. Johnson
Memory loss affects thousands of people every year. Memory loss is often attributed to “getting older." In reality, age-related memory loss is a fallacy. The latest scientific research indicates that memory loss is actually a direct result of decreased use of memory centers within brain. At first, memory changes often appear subtle. For example, you may walk into a room and forget why you are there, or recognize someone you have met before, but can’t recall their name. Early symptoms of memory loss may progress to more significant memory loss. The good news is that latest documented research indicates that specific areas of brain, primarily temporal lobes, can be activated to improve memory. Anatomically, brain is comprised of a right and a left cortex. Each cortex contains an area called temporal lobe. The temporal lobes are responsible for retaining specific types of short- and long-term memory. For example, left temporal lobe is most related to remembering word lists, processing verbal language, and recalling language spoken in a monotone voice. The right temporal lobe is affiliated with remembering familiar events as well as processing non-verbal information. The right temporal lobe will house memory such as voice-intonated (singing) memory. If one portion of brain isn’t working at its maximum, memory as well as other functions of temporal lobe may be affected. This would also include one’s ability to smell and hear.
| | OsteoporosisWritten by Dr. Michael L. Johnson
Osteoporosis is a loss of bone density that can lead to serious fractures, including disabling hip fractures. It affects more than 25 million Americans, about 80% of them women. Low bone mineral density (BMD) has been associated with osteoporosis risk. An estimated 1.3 million fractures each year are caused by osteoporosis, and about half of patients who suffer a hip fracture never fully recover. Also, osteoporosis is a progressive disease. New methods have been approved for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis, so it’s important to catch it early, when drug therapy can greatly improve bone structure. Bone is a hard substance that forms framework around which body is built. That framework, or skeleton, contains over 200 separate bones that support and give shape to body and protect its vital organs. Contrary to a common misconception, bone is a living substance! In fact, bone is one of most active tissues in body. It is constantly being broken down and rebuilt in a process called remodeling, and like any other living tissue, it needs nourishment to stay strong and healthy. To begin the
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