By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Nathanael_Eisenberg]Nathanael Eisenberg
What does it mean to have dementia? To many people, the word means strange behavior or loss of control. Dementia includes many symptoms including short-term memory loss, not able to problem solve, confusion, not being able to do simple tasks such as cooking or balancing your checkbook. Sometimes there are personality changes or strange behaviors.
Most of us view memory loss as a normal part of aging. We assume that because someone is old, memory problems are to be expected. However, serious memory loss is not a normal function of aging, and should be explored by a qualified doctor.
Some dementia can be reversed. Dementia in this case may be brought on by medication interactions, vitamin deficiencies, depression, or thyroid problems. If identified early and treated correctly, these symptoms may improve.
Dementias that are not reversible are called degenerative dementias. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of this dementia. Some degenerative dementias may look like Alzheimer's, but have distinct features that should be treated differently.
To diagnose dementia, the patient must have a complete medical and neuropsychological evaluation. The doctor will determine how severe the problem is. Early diagnosis allows the doctor to recommend treatment and the caregiver and patient time to plan for the future.
Diagnosing dementia is much more accurate now. Specialists analyze large amounts of data to make the diagnosis. They also will decide how severe it is and sometimes even find the cause of dementia.
After making the diagnosis, the doctor must decide if the cause is a reversible or irreversible dementia. He will then be able to determine the treatment and care for the patient.
There is no cure for irreversible dementia. The treatment focuses on maximizing the patient's cognitive and functioning abilities. For patients with Alzheimer's disease, medication is available to slow the decline of the disease and improve their memory function.
Treatment for patients with vascular rel=nofollow [http://www.cognifit.com/science/recovering-brainhealth/dementia]dementia include controlling high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Other medications manage sleep disorders, depression, or behavioral problems. Because there are so many treatments for dementia, you must have an accurate diagnosis.
As a caregiver, good communication with your doctor is important. It is important to tell your concerns and describe the changes of the patient's disease to the medical staff so the correct treatment may be given.
There has been a lot of research done on the causes and treatment for dementia. There have been many recent discoveries as well as on the brain plasticity. One day there will be new developments that may cure or even stop this debilitating disease. As always, the best thing to do is to try to prevent it as much as possible by being health, physically, mentally and paying special attention to your nutrition.
Nathanael Eisenberg is the CEO of CogniFit, a company that develops software which measure and train cognitive abilities. We help people discover new insights about themselves and decide what to improve in their life.
The rapid growth of scientific knowledge around the brain creates new opportunities to help tackle some of the major challenges of the early part of the 21st century. Nathanael's goal is to participate in the search of some of these additional solutions.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Are-The-Different-Types-Of-Dementia?&id=6599862] What Are The Different Types Of Dementia?
Monday, November 21, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
The Fear of Hurting the Other and the Inhibition of Self
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Beverly_Amsel]Beverly Amsel
Even when it is unintended, some people find it intolerable to hurt someone they love. To experience hurting the other can create shame, guilt and strong "I am a bad person" feelings. As a result, we may avoid saying what is on our mind and put aside our own feelings and needs. This inhibiting of the self can be harmful to our relationships and can create the conditions for developing anxiety and depression.
Marlene, a 27 year old married woman, came into my therapy office feeling anxious and depressed. She described how unhappy she was in her marriage to Ben. She told me she loved her husband but was feeling like she was in a straight jacket. If she expressed a need that conflicted with his wishes, his feelings would get hurt. She couldn't tell him that she didn't want to play tennis with him every weekend or that she was tired of going out every Friday night with his friends from work. She explained to me that when she told him these things, he told her that she made him feel unimportant, criticized and pushed away. She felt ashamed that she was the cause of his feeling so terrible. She would apologize to him and try to keep her feelings to herself, but then she would attack herself and feel like a bad person. She was shutting herself down and feeling depressed. She also reported that when she was aware of a need that she felt she shouldn't express to Ben, she would get anxious for fear that she couldn't contain herself.
What Marlene described to me suggested that she had issues she needed to work on as an individual and that as we did this she would be more able to address the difficulties in her relationship with Ben.
While Ben might be particularly subject to feeling hurt or slighted, Marlene's inability to tolerate hurting Ben and talk with him about these issues, made the relationship difficult. It also became apparent as I spoke with Marlene that she suffered in all of her relationships by worrying how she was impacting on everyone. She had never considered that we all hurt people, even those we love, unintentionally. She didn't understand that it is impossible to be in a relationship without hurting those we love. When I suggested this to her, it didn't make sense. How could she possibly bear watching Ben be so hurt? She would have to give him what he wanted.
As Marlene and I talked, I wondered what made it so painful for Marlene to consider that something she said or did had the unintended consequences of hurting someone she cared about. I asked Marlene how she thought she got the idea that it was totally unacceptable to hurt someone she loved. We also explored Marlene's idea that when someone feels hurt they are horribly harmed. Marlene thought my questions were strange. How could it not be painful to see someone you love hurting because of you? How could you not feel like a very bad person? Of course hurt causes terrible damage. I replied that it was appropriate to feel sorry or sad that you had been the cause of someone's hurt, but that it didn't have to make you feel like such a bad person. I said that you can't always be sure how the hurt is affecting someone unless you are told or ask. Each hurt is different. I said that these experiences could be talked about and the other person might be able to listen and understand the intent. I added that this was something she could work on with Ben.
Marlene considered my ideas with some skepticism. She remembered how her mother would get so hurt when she was little. She had one memory where her mother started to cry and tell her how hurt she was when Marlene didn't like the dress she was given for her sixth birthday. She recalled how her mother told her how much Marlene hurt her feelings and how could Marlene not appreciate all the time and money her mother had spent to pick out such a perfect dress. Marlene remembered how scared she was when her mother was so distraught and how much shame she felt to have done such harm to make her mother feel that way.
Over the many months that Marlene and I continued to talk in therapy, she began to make connections between how her mother, on many occasions would be hurt if Marlene didn't have the "right" response. She became clearer that she would do anything to ensure that she was not the cause of her mother's distress. In fact, Marlene had given herself the job of making her mother happy. As Marlene became aware of this, she also began to realize that with her strong need to keep her mother happy and not cause her any hurt or distress, she had learned to overlook her own needs and desires, especially when they conflicted with what she knew her mother needed.
When Marlene talked about how she had learned to disregard her own wishes and squelch her own voice, she started to make connections to her behavior with Ben. Her fear of increasing Ben's hurt when their needs conflicted, gave way to the idea that maybe she could talk with Ben about this. She recognized that Ben's reaction when he was hurt was nothing like her mother's intensely distraught response. Perhaps, there was a way for them to talk and negotiate and consider both of their needs.
In fact, Ben was surprised to learn that Marlene was scared to assert her needs for fear of hurting him. He told her that even though he felt hurt, he didn't feel she had done any harm to him. He told Marlene that he didn't think he was so fragile. He thought he could try to consider that when she expresses her needs, it didn't have to mean that she was dismissing him. He told her he wanted to keep talking about this. He knew he could get hurt easily, but he didn't want it to affect Marlene by causing her to inhibit her thoughts and feelings.
Marlene continues to come to therapy to work on becoming more comfortable expressing her own thoughts and feelings and dealing with her impact on those around her. She has gotten much better at dealing with conflict and asking for what she wants in the world. She is worrying less about being a bad person. Marlene has become more tolerant of herself and more respectful of her right to say what she wants. She is increasingly able to say no to what someone she cares about wants and risk the possibility that they will feel hurt. As she is able to allow fuller expression to her true voice, she is feeling less anxious and depressed. She and Ben are doing better at talking with each other and they are much more able to address the conflicts between their needs in a constructive and loving way.
When we become overly interested and vigilant about the impact we have on others and design our behaviors to make sure they don't have feelings we can't tolerate, we are putting our authentic selves on hold. This denial of who we are causes us to build up feelings consciously and unconsciously. Preventing ourselves from expressing what we think and feel, and shutting up our true selves, puts us at risk for anxiety and depression. If we can learn to become more comfortable with how we impact others, and address what we think our impact is, instead of trying to control the other's feelings, we will be promoting the development of our true selves.
�Copyright 2011 by Beverly Amsel, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved
I have been a psychotherapist in private practice for over 25 years and work with adult as well as older adolescent individuals. My practice includes group therapy, couples therapy and marriage counseling. I specialize in a wide range of issues including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, relationship and marriage problems. I have a particular interest in working with people who have concerns about individuating from their families. I work with problems about intimacy and developing long-term relationships, separation anxiety, parenting, creative blocks, empty nest syndrome, chronic pain and family and work conflicts.
Although the idea of starting therapy can be scary, it can also be exciting. Therapy is a process of discovery about you which can help you create the life and relationships that really work. It is a process where I help you to talk and learn about your thoughts and feelings. As we focus on the issues you bring to therapy, our talks will affect the ways in which you relate to the world and the impact the world has on you.
My clinical approach is not based on one particular theory. I don't see what I do as "one size fits all." As I get to know you, the theoretical approach or approaches I take will evolve from our work together. I recognize and respect how different we all are. This means I make a particular effort to work without judgment.
I work in my office on the Upper West Side of New York and I do sessions by phone for those people who travel or are not in New York.
You can learn more from my website: http://www.beverlyamselphd.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Fear-of-Hurting-the-Other-and-the-Inhibition-of-Self&id=6601660] The Fear of Hurting the Other and the Inhibition of Self
Even when it is unintended, some people find it intolerable to hurt someone they love. To experience hurting the other can create shame, guilt and strong "I am a bad person" feelings. As a result, we may avoid saying what is on our mind and put aside our own feelings and needs. This inhibiting of the self can be harmful to our relationships and can create the conditions for developing anxiety and depression.
Marlene, a 27 year old married woman, came into my therapy office feeling anxious and depressed. She described how unhappy she was in her marriage to Ben. She told me she loved her husband but was feeling like she was in a straight jacket. If she expressed a need that conflicted with his wishes, his feelings would get hurt. She couldn't tell him that she didn't want to play tennis with him every weekend or that she was tired of going out every Friday night with his friends from work. She explained to me that when she told him these things, he told her that she made him feel unimportant, criticized and pushed away. She felt ashamed that she was the cause of his feeling so terrible. She would apologize to him and try to keep her feelings to herself, but then she would attack herself and feel like a bad person. She was shutting herself down and feeling depressed. She also reported that when she was aware of a need that she felt she shouldn't express to Ben, she would get anxious for fear that she couldn't contain herself.
What Marlene described to me suggested that she had issues she needed to work on as an individual and that as we did this she would be more able to address the difficulties in her relationship with Ben.
While Ben might be particularly subject to feeling hurt or slighted, Marlene's inability to tolerate hurting Ben and talk with him about these issues, made the relationship difficult. It also became apparent as I spoke with Marlene that she suffered in all of her relationships by worrying how she was impacting on everyone. She had never considered that we all hurt people, even those we love, unintentionally. She didn't understand that it is impossible to be in a relationship without hurting those we love. When I suggested this to her, it didn't make sense. How could she possibly bear watching Ben be so hurt? She would have to give him what he wanted.
As Marlene and I talked, I wondered what made it so painful for Marlene to consider that something she said or did had the unintended consequences of hurting someone she cared about. I asked Marlene how she thought she got the idea that it was totally unacceptable to hurt someone she loved. We also explored Marlene's idea that when someone feels hurt they are horribly harmed. Marlene thought my questions were strange. How could it not be painful to see someone you love hurting because of you? How could you not feel like a very bad person? Of course hurt causes terrible damage. I replied that it was appropriate to feel sorry or sad that you had been the cause of someone's hurt, but that it didn't have to make you feel like such a bad person. I said that you can't always be sure how the hurt is affecting someone unless you are told or ask. Each hurt is different. I said that these experiences could be talked about and the other person might be able to listen and understand the intent. I added that this was something she could work on with Ben.
Marlene considered my ideas with some skepticism. She remembered how her mother would get so hurt when she was little. She had one memory where her mother started to cry and tell her how hurt she was when Marlene didn't like the dress she was given for her sixth birthday. She recalled how her mother told her how much Marlene hurt her feelings and how could Marlene not appreciate all the time and money her mother had spent to pick out such a perfect dress. Marlene remembered how scared she was when her mother was so distraught and how much shame she felt to have done such harm to make her mother feel that way.
Over the many months that Marlene and I continued to talk in therapy, she began to make connections between how her mother, on many occasions would be hurt if Marlene didn't have the "right" response. She became clearer that she would do anything to ensure that she was not the cause of her mother's distress. In fact, Marlene had given herself the job of making her mother happy. As Marlene became aware of this, she also began to realize that with her strong need to keep her mother happy and not cause her any hurt or distress, she had learned to overlook her own needs and desires, especially when they conflicted with what she knew her mother needed.
When Marlene talked about how she had learned to disregard her own wishes and squelch her own voice, she started to make connections to her behavior with Ben. Her fear of increasing Ben's hurt when their needs conflicted, gave way to the idea that maybe she could talk with Ben about this. She recognized that Ben's reaction when he was hurt was nothing like her mother's intensely distraught response. Perhaps, there was a way for them to talk and negotiate and consider both of their needs.
In fact, Ben was surprised to learn that Marlene was scared to assert her needs for fear of hurting him. He told her that even though he felt hurt, he didn't feel she had done any harm to him. He told Marlene that he didn't think he was so fragile. He thought he could try to consider that when she expresses her needs, it didn't have to mean that she was dismissing him. He told her he wanted to keep talking about this. He knew he could get hurt easily, but he didn't want it to affect Marlene by causing her to inhibit her thoughts and feelings.
Marlene continues to come to therapy to work on becoming more comfortable expressing her own thoughts and feelings and dealing with her impact on those around her. She has gotten much better at dealing with conflict and asking for what she wants in the world. She is worrying less about being a bad person. Marlene has become more tolerant of herself and more respectful of her right to say what she wants. She is increasingly able to say no to what someone she cares about wants and risk the possibility that they will feel hurt. As she is able to allow fuller expression to her true voice, she is feeling less anxious and depressed. She and Ben are doing better at talking with each other and they are much more able to address the conflicts between their needs in a constructive and loving way.
When we become overly interested and vigilant about the impact we have on others and design our behaviors to make sure they don't have feelings we can't tolerate, we are putting our authentic selves on hold. This denial of who we are causes us to build up feelings consciously and unconsciously. Preventing ourselves from expressing what we think and feel, and shutting up our true selves, puts us at risk for anxiety and depression. If we can learn to become more comfortable with how we impact others, and address what we think our impact is, instead of trying to control the other's feelings, we will be promoting the development of our true selves.
�Copyright 2011 by Beverly Amsel, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved
I have been a psychotherapist in private practice for over 25 years and work with adult as well as older adolescent individuals. My practice includes group therapy, couples therapy and marriage counseling. I specialize in a wide range of issues including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, relationship and marriage problems. I have a particular interest in working with people who have concerns about individuating from their families. I work with problems about intimacy and developing long-term relationships, separation anxiety, parenting, creative blocks, empty nest syndrome, chronic pain and family and work conflicts.
Although the idea of starting therapy can be scary, it can also be exciting. Therapy is a process of discovery about you which can help you create the life and relationships that really work. It is a process where I help you to talk and learn about your thoughts and feelings. As we focus on the issues you bring to therapy, our talks will affect the ways in which you relate to the world and the impact the world has on you.
My clinical approach is not based on one particular theory. I don't see what I do as "one size fits all." As I get to know you, the theoretical approach or approaches I take will evolve from our work together. I recognize and respect how different we all are. This means I make a particular effort to work without judgment.
I work in my office on the Upper West Side of New York and I do sessions by phone for those people who travel or are not in New York.
You can learn more from my website: http://www.beverlyamselphd.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Fear-of-Hurting-the-Other-and-the-Inhibition-of-Self&id=6601660] The Fear of Hurting the Other and the Inhibition of Self
Friday, November 18, 2011
Strategies for Memory After Traumatic Brain Injury
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Marilyn_Lash]Marilyn Lash
Memory is one of the biggest challenges facing many survivors after a traumatic brain injury. Memory impairments can be unsettling, frustrating and stressful. Trying to recall and perform routine functions can become formidable tasks. Changes in memory can affect everything from remembering to turn off the stove to paying your bills to keeping appointments. These challenges can be the difference in being able to live independently, succeed in school or do your job.
By using compensatory strategies, the survivor, family and caregivers can address these challenges and be more productive. The following tips and strategies can be useful.
Use checklists
By posting written checklists in key locations, such as by the door or phone, at your desk, and on the bathroom mirror or refrigerator, you will have visual reminders to jog your memory. You can also record verbal checklists to listen to on a tape recorder, on your computer or your smart phone so you can replay them whenever you need a reminder
Checklists with personal care reminders for grooming and dressing can be really helpful for getting ready in the morning and getting out the door on time. These can be customized by how much detail you need. Examples are:
Putting toiletries in plain sight
Laying out clothing the night before
Daily life can be complicated for anyone, but it can be even more complex and stressful if you have a memory impairment after a brain injury. Some basic strategies for organizing your life are:
Do your laundry the same day each week.
Make a master list of monthly bills.
Ask for and save appointment cards.
Use different colored inks to note different types of appointments on your calendar.
Consult a map or program your GPS before you get in the car and leave home.
Get reverse directions as well.
Park in the same area every time.
Place all ingredients on the counter before you start cooking and put them away as you use them.
Carry a timer when you have something in the oven.
There are many aids and tool available to help individuals who have difficulty with memory. These include planners and organizers, calendars, computer programs, special applications and smart phones. Your preference may be influenced by what you feel comfortable using now and what type of reminders helped you before your injury. The key is to develop a system that works for you and your lifestyle.
It is also important that the people who are close to you are familiar with the memory strategies and reminders that you use. This includes your family members, caregivers, close friends and any others who interact with you regularly. Consistency is important so you want to be sure that everyone uses the same strategies.
Conclusion
Your memory may improve as your brain heals and your recovery progresses. However, many persons with moderate and severe brain injuries continue to have some challenges with memory over many years and even over their lifetime. Some final suggestions are:
develop routines
make lists and check them daily
work deliberately, one step at a time
don't try to do everything at once
be patient with yourself.
Marilyn Lash, M.S.W., Lash and Associates Publishing/Training, Inc. http://www.lapublishing.com/ Books, pamphlets and information on the treatment, rehabilitation and recovery of traumatic brain injury in children, adults and veterans. For a tip card with more information on Memory Strategies Brain Injury by Barbara Webster, go to [http://www.lapublishing.com/tbi-memory-strategies/]http://www.lapublishing.com/tbi-memory-strategies/.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Strategies-for-Memory-After-Traumatic-Brain-Injury&id=6594852] Strategies for Memory After Traumatic Brain Injury
Memory is one of the biggest challenges facing many survivors after a traumatic brain injury. Memory impairments can be unsettling, frustrating and stressful. Trying to recall and perform routine functions can become formidable tasks. Changes in memory can affect everything from remembering to turn off the stove to paying your bills to keeping appointments. These challenges can be the difference in being able to live independently, succeed in school or do your job.
By using compensatory strategies, the survivor, family and caregivers can address these challenges and be more productive. The following tips and strategies can be useful.
Use checklists
By posting written checklists in key locations, such as by the door or phone, at your desk, and on the bathroom mirror or refrigerator, you will have visual reminders to jog your memory. You can also record verbal checklists to listen to on a tape recorder, on your computer or your smart phone so you can replay them whenever you need a reminder
Checklists with personal care reminders for grooming and dressing can be really helpful for getting ready in the morning and getting out the door on time. These can be customized by how much detail you need. Examples are:
Putting toiletries in plain sight
Laying out clothing the night before
Daily life can be complicated for anyone, but it can be even more complex and stressful if you have a memory impairment after a brain injury. Some basic strategies for organizing your life are:
Do your laundry the same day each week.
Make a master list of monthly bills.
Ask for and save appointment cards.
Use different colored inks to note different types of appointments on your calendar.
Consult a map or program your GPS before you get in the car and leave home.
Get reverse directions as well.
Park in the same area every time.
Place all ingredients on the counter before you start cooking and put them away as you use them.
Carry a timer when you have something in the oven.
There are many aids and tool available to help individuals who have difficulty with memory. These include planners and organizers, calendars, computer programs, special applications and smart phones. Your preference may be influenced by what you feel comfortable using now and what type of reminders helped you before your injury. The key is to develop a system that works for you and your lifestyle.
It is also important that the people who are close to you are familiar with the memory strategies and reminders that you use. This includes your family members, caregivers, close friends and any others who interact with you regularly. Consistency is important so you want to be sure that everyone uses the same strategies.
Conclusion
Your memory may improve as your brain heals and your recovery progresses. However, many persons with moderate and severe brain injuries continue to have some challenges with memory over many years and even over their lifetime. Some final suggestions are:
develop routines
make lists and check them daily
work deliberately, one step at a time
don't try to do everything at once
be patient with yourself.
Marilyn Lash, M.S.W., Lash and Associates Publishing/Training, Inc. http://www.lapublishing.com/ Books, pamphlets and information on the treatment, rehabilitation and recovery of traumatic brain injury in children, adults and veterans. For a tip card with more information on Memory Strategies Brain Injury by Barbara Webster, go to [http://www.lapublishing.com/tbi-memory-strategies/]http://www.lapublishing.com/tbi-memory-strategies/.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Strategies-for-Memory-After-Traumatic-Brain-Injury&id=6594852] Strategies for Memory After Traumatic Brain Injury
Thursday, November 17, 2011
How to Stop Strong Emotions Making You Stupid
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Patricia_A_McBride]Patricia A McBride
Impulses make us stupid!
Recently I read a Harvard Business Review article discussing compulsive behaviour. Compulsive behaviour is a term that covers a multitude of activities such as needing to check you've closed the front door many times; hoarding; hand washing. What all these behaviours have in common that they momentarily relieve the person doing them of their anxiety.
Although relatively few people have full blown Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, we do all act compulsively sometimes. After all compulsiveness is about responding to impulses. Who hasn't been impulsive at some time? 'Normal' impulses can include actions such as buying something you really didn't need when you can't afford it; having one drink too many; dating someone unwise and taking risks when driving.
Tony Schwartz, the author of the Harvard Business Review article has a golden rule to deal with triggers which may make us act impulsively
'Whatever you feel compelled to do, don't'.
Instead, he recommends taking a deep breath and 'feel your feet' - a lovely way to ground yourself again.
In fact, many of the techniques to help people to find their feet are pattern interrupts. By pattern interrupt I mean interrupting a pattern of behaviour we repeatedly do as if on automatic pilot. Another way of saying it would be that we aim to break the trance someone is in without them realising it.
There are a wide range of pattern interrupts to snap out of a trance. I sometimes recommend that people recognise their impulsive driver, and instead of doing what they feel compelled to do, drop their shoulders and breath from low in their chest, breathing in for the count of seven and out for the count of eleven. I also recommend to people who want to change ingrained habits that they wear an elastic band on their wrist and ping it each time they are tempted to eat that piece of chocolate, drink that wine, or whatever. These are just two of the pattern interrupts that can take us out of that trance-like impulsive state and back to reality.
The trick, of course, is catching yourself in that split second between impulsive feeling and action. A way to do this is to mentally rehearse, imagining an upcoming situation and seeing yourself behaving in exactly the way you'd like to behave. Doing this several times lays different pathways in the brain and greatly increases your chance of behaving in your chosen way.
Schwartz has another rule we all know is true, but often want to ignore. This is his anti-procrastination Rule of Resistance which says that probably what we should do instead of that impulsive action, is whatever it is we've been putting off. Pity. Does that mean I've got to buckle down to doing my accounts then?
Patricia McBride
Product Director
Cerentas Ltd
Specialists in Employee Wellbeing http://www.cerentas.co.uk/
[mailto:info@cerentas.co.uk]info@cerentas.co.uk
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Stop-Strong-Emotions-Making-You-Stupid&id=6594312] How to Stop Strong Emotions Making You Stupid
Impulses make us stupid!
Recently I read a Harvard Business Review article discussing compulsive behaviour. Compulsive behaviour is a term that covers a multitude of activities such as needing to check you've closed the front door many times; hoarding; hand washing. What all these behaviours have in common that they momentarily relieve the person doing them of their anxiety.
Although relatively few people have full blown Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, we do all act compulsively sometimes. After all compulsiveness is about responding to impulses. Who hasn't been impulsive at some time? 'Normal' impulses can include actions such as buying something you really didn't need when you can't afford it; having one drink too many; dating someone unwise and taking risks when driving.
Tony Schwartz, the author of the Harvard Business Review article has a golden rule to deal with triggers which may make us act impulsively
'Whatever you feel compelled to do, don't'.
Instead, he recommends taking a deep breath and 'feel your feet' - a lovely way to ground yourself again.
In fact, many of the techniques to help people to find their feet are pattern interrupts. By pattern interrupt I mean interrupting a pattern of behaviour we repeatedly do as if on automatic pilot. Another way of saying it would be that we aim to break the trance someone is in without them realising it.
There are a wide range of pattern interrupts to snap out of a trance. I sometimes recommend that people recognise their impulsive driver, and instead of doing what they feel compelled to do, drop their shoulders and breath from low in their chest, breathing in for the count of seven and out for the count of eleven. I also recommend to people who want to change ingrained habits that they wear an elastic band on their wrist and ping it each time they are tempted to eat that piece of chocolate, drink that wine, or whatever. These are just two of the pattern interrupts that can take us out of that trance-like impulsive state and back to reality.
The trick, of course, is catching yourself in that split second between impulsive feeling and action. A way to do this is to mentally rehearse, imagining an upcoming situation and seeing yourself behaving in exactly the way you'd like to behave. Doing this several times lays different pathways in the brain and greatly increases your chance of behaving in your chosen way.
Schwartz has another rule we all know is true, but often want to ignore. This is his anti-procrastination Rule of Resistance which says that probably what we should do instead of that impulsive action, is whatever it is we've been putting off. Pity. Does that mean I've got to buckle down to doing my accounts then?
Patricia McBride
Product Director
Cerentas Ltd
Specialists in Employee Wellbeing http://www.cerentas.co.uk/
[mailto:info@cerentas.co.uk]info@cerentas.co.uk
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Stop-Strong-Emotions-Making-You-Stupid&id=6594312] How to Stop Strong Emotions Making You Stupid
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
What Happens When Alzheimer's Disease Strikes Your Loved One?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Nathanael_Eisenberg]Nathanael Eisenberg
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. It is a physical illness which causes big changes in the brain. People suffering from Alzheimer's experience healthy brain tissue degenerating, causing a memory decline, and an inability to use their brain to perform tasks.
As time goes on, a person with Alzheimer's is unable to remember, speak, or think clearly. Sadly, these patients are often restless. A total personality change and the inability to perform even the simplest of tasks are a tell-tale sign of Alzheimer's.
If you suspect a loved one of having Alzheimer's disease, it is wise to visit a doctor to have them tested. Early diagnosis is critical with this disease. Available treatment options may improve the quality of a patient's life and delay Alzheimer's stages.
Unfortunately, AD is is today not treatable. It is an irreversible brain disease with no cure. Age is the most common risk factor. Heredity seems to be more common in early-onset Alzheimer's (before the age of 65).
Alzheimer's disease gets worse over time. As the disease progresses, the people who suffer from it depend totally on being cared for by others. Their symptoms and how badly they occur vary among individuals.
There are three stages of Alzheimer's disease; mild, moderate, and severe. Every stage can last for several years or more, so it is helpful to understand what stage your loved one is in. Caregivers must be educated in how to understand what stage the patient is in.
� Early stage AD is when the person asks the same questions or repeats stories throughout the day and forgets meetings or errands.
� Mid stage Alzheimer's starts with the patient constantly repeating the same questions and stories throughout the day
� Late stage finds the patient unable to speak or recognize any close family members. They tend to wander and get lost.
We still do not know what exactly causes the deterioration of brain cells with the disease. rel=nofollow [http://www.cognifit.com/alzheimer-disease]Alzheimer's patients have two indicators called plaques and tangles. As these structures spread through the brain, they kill nerve cells, shrinking entire regions of the brain.
It is important for caregivers of patients to be reassured that they are not alone and that help is available. Look for local support groups in your area. Learning as much as you can about Alzheimer's disease may also help you cope and find alternative solutions.
It is also important to try to prevent the onset of the disease by having a proper nutrition, exercising regularly your body and also training your brain with a scientifically validated brain training program. You want to keep your brain challenged throughout your life to ensure your cognitive abilities are constantly working.
Nathanael Eisenberg is the CEO of CogniFit, a company that develops software which measure and train cognitive abilities. We help people discover new insights about themselves and decide what to improve in their life.
The rapid growth of scientific knowledge around the brain creates new opportunities to help tackle some of the major challenges of the early part of the 21st century. Nathanael's goal is to participate in the search of some of these additional solutions.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Happens-When-Alzheimers-Disease-Strikes-Your-Loved-One?&id=6596840] What Happens When Alzheimer's Disease Strikes Your Loved One?
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. It is a physical illness which causes big changes in the brain. People suffering from Alzheimer's experience healthy brain tissue degenerating, causing a memory decline, and an inability to use their brain to perform tasks.
As time goes on, a person with Alzheimer's is unable to remember, speak, or think clearly. Sadly, these patients are often restless. A total personality change and the inability to perform even the simplest of tasks are a tell-tale sign of Alzheimer's.
If you suspect a loved one of having Alzheimer's disease, it is wise to visit a doctor to have them tested. Early diagnosis is critical with this disease. Available treatment options may improve the quality of a patient's life and delay Alzheimer's stages.
Unfortunately, AD is is today not treatable. It is an irreversible brain disease with no cure. Age is the most common risk factor. Heredity seems to be more common in early-onset Alzheimer's (before the age of 65).
Alzheimer's disease gets worse over time. As the disease progresses, the people who suffer from it depend totally on being cared for by others. Their symptoms and how badly they occur vary among individuals.
There are three stages of Alzheimer's disease; mild, moderate, and severe. Every stage can last for several years or more, so it is helpful to understand what stage your loved one is in. Caregivers must be educated in how to understand what stage the patient is in.
� Early stage AD is when the person asks the same questions or repeats stories throughout the day and forgets meetings or errands.
� Mid stage Alzheimer's starts with the patient constantly repeating the same questions and stories throughout the day
� Late stage finds the patient unable to speak or recognize any close family members. They tend to wander and get lost.
We still do not know what exactly causes the deterioration of brain cells with the disease. rel=nofollow [http://www.cognifit.com/alzheimer-disease]Alzheimer's patients have two indicators called plaques and tangles. As these structures spread through the brain, they kill nerve cells, shrinking entire regions of the brain.
It is important for caregivers of patients to be reassured that they are not alone and that help is available. Look for local support groups in your area. Learning as much as you can about Alzheimer's disease may also help you cope and find alternative solutions.
It is also important to try to prevent the onset of the disease by having a proper nutrition, exercising regularly your body and also training your brain with a scientifically validated brain training program. You want to keep your brain challenged throughout your life to ensure your cognitive abilities are constantly working.
Nathanael Eisenberg is the CEO of CogniFit, a company that develops software which measure and train cognitive abilities. We help people discover new insights about themselves and decide what to improve in their life.
The rapid growth of scientific knowledge around the brain creates new opportunities to help tackle some of the major challenges of the early part of the 21st century. Nathanael's goal is to participate in the search of some of these additional solutions.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Happens-When-Alzheimers-Disease-Strikes-Your-Loved-One?&id=6596840] What Happens When Alzheimer's Disease Strikes Your Loved One?
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Causes Of Memory Problems
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Nathanael_Eisenberg]Nathanael Eisenberg
Memory is the main component of human cognition. This includes the ability to take information, process it, store it, and retrieve it when needed. The main processes of memory are encoding, storage and retrieval. Memory problems occur when a person is unable to retrieve this information.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Treating these problems include changing your lifestyle, using a brain training program, taking medication or therapy for more serious conditions.
Lifestyle changes include slowing down, staying on a routine, and labeling items. Use of memory aids such as calendars, lists, and appointment books, can really help you remember.
Using memory systems and brain fitness are very helpful. These teach you techniques to improve your memory.
Our brains need to remember. To do this, the brain sorts through stored information and stores it away. When this information is needed, the brain retrieves it within seconds.
Having memory loss will affect some or all of these processes. Sometimes memory problems develop slowly, while others suddenly occur. There are memory problems that are reversible, while others result in a permanent decline of memory.
As we age, we lose some of our memory. The brain cells begin dying when a person is in their twenties. A person is able to lead a normal life and any resulting memory loss will not be noticeable over time.
There are many types of memory issues that will interfere with a person's ability to do daily tasks. Amnesia, dementia, and anxiety are a few of these conditions.
Around 30 million people worldwide suffer from some sort of dementia. Most of these people are over the age of 65. About one in five people over the age of 80 have dementia. Many of these people have Alzheimer's disease.
Memory loss may be caused by many conditions, including:
� Alcoholism and illegal drug use
� Brain injuries and brain tumors
� Depression, anxiety, and stress
� Epilepsy and seizures
� Thyroid problems
� Malnutrition
� Sleep deprivation
If you think that you are having rel=nofollow [http://www.cognifit.com/science/top-brainfacts/memory-problems]memory problems, consult your doctor. There are some medical conditions and some other factors that can cause memory problems that are able to be corrected.
These problems include depression, hearing or vision loss, thyroid problems, some medications, vitamin deficiencies, and stress.
Please seek treatment to improve your memory problems. You will be glad you did! These problems may be reversible. And don't forget to train your brain regularly!
Nathanael Eisenberg is the CEO of CogniFit, a company that develops software which measure and train cognitive abilities. We help people discover new insights about themselves and decide what to improve in their life.
The rapid growth of scientific knowledge around the brain creates new opportunities to help tackle some of the major challenges of the early part of the 21st century. Nathanael's goal is to participate in the search of some of these additional solutions.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Causes-Of-Memory-Problems&id=6601859] Causes Of Memory Problems
Memory is the main component of human cognition. This includes the ability to take information, process it, store it, and retrieve it when needed. The main processes of memory are encoding, storage and retrieval. Memory problems occur when a person is unable to retrieve this information.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Treating these problems include changing your lifestyle, using a brain training program, taking medication or therapy for more serious conditions.
Lifestyle changes include slowing down, staying on a routine, and labeling items. Use of memory aids such as calendars, lists, and appointment books, can really help you remember.
Using memory systems and brain fitness are very helpful. These teach you techniques to improve your memory.
Our brains need to remember. To do this, the brain sorts through stored information and stores it away. When this information is needed, the brain retrieves it within seconds.
Having memory loss will affect some or all of these processes. Sometimes memory problems develop slowly, while others suddenly occur. There are memory problems that are reversible, while others result in a permanent decline of memory.
As we age, we lose some of our memory. The brain cells begin dying when a person is in their twenties. A person is able to lead a normal life and any resulting memory loss will not be noticeable over time.
There are many types of memory issues that will interfere with a person's ability to do daily tasks. Amnesia, dementia, and anxiety are a few of these conditions.
Around 30 million people worldwide suffer from some sort of dementia. Most of these people are over the age of 65. About one in five people over the age of 80 have dementia. Many of these people have Alzheimer's disease.
Memory loss may be caused by many conditions, including:
� Alcoholism and illegal drug use
� Brain injuries and brain tumors
� Depression, anxiety, and stress
� Epilepsy and seizures
� Thyroid problems
� Malnutrition
� Sleep deprivation
If you think that you are having rel=nofollow [http://www.cognifit.com/science/top-brainfacts/memory-problems]memory problems, consult your doctor. There are some medical conditions and some other factors that can cause memory problems that are able to be corrected.
These problems include depression, hearing or vision loss, thyroid problems, some medications, vitamin deficiencies, and stress.
Please seek treatment to improve your memory problems. You will be glad you did! These problems may be reversible. And don't forget to train your brain regularly!
Nathanael Eisenberg is the CEO of CogniFit, a company that develops software which measure and train cognitive abilities. We help people discover new insights about themselves and decide what to improve in their life.
The rapid growth of scientific knowledge around the brain creates new opportunities to help tackle some of the major challenges of the early part of the 21st century. Nathanael's goal is to participate in the search of some of these additional solutions.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Causes-Of-Memory-Problems&id=6601859] Causes Of Memory Problems
Monday, November 14, 2011
The Story About Strokes - An Acquired Brain Injury
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sylvia_Behnish]Sylvia Behnish
There are two major types of strokes:
- The ischemic stroke is when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain is blocked by a blood clot. If a clot forms in a narrow artery, it is called a thrombotic stroke. If the clot breaks off and travels to the brain, it is called a cerebral embolism.
- A hemorrhagic stroke is when a blood vessel in part of the brain bursts open and blood leaks into the brain. This usually causes a severe headache.
The causes of a stroke are high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, high cholesterol, a family history of strokes, being over fifty-five years of age, living an unhealthy lifestyle, having heart disease, being overweight, drinking heavily, smoking, using illegal drugs, ethnicity, a previous history of strokes or TIA's and women over thirty-five who are on birth control pills, especially if they smoke.
Some of the symptoms are a severe headache, slurred speech, inability to speak or to understand, loss of balance or coordination, confusion, numbness or tingling on one side of the body, vision problems and muscle weakness.
For best prognosis, it is extremely important to get medical treatment within three hours of first symptoms but no later than four to five hours. At the first signs of a stroke, it will be imperative to call 911 in order to get immediate treatment. This reduces disability and can save lives. Medical staff will examine and possibly give a clot-dissolving drug, do tests with probably tests using all or some of the following - an Angiogram, a CT scan, an MRI, and an Echocardiogram. There will probably be lab tests done as well.
Treatment and prognosis will depend on the cause of the stroke, the severity of the stroke, what has been affected and how quickly treatment was begun. There may be bladder and bowel problems, muscle and nerve problems, speech, memory and thinking difficulties as well.
There are three coping strategies for emotional problems related to strokes:
- approach-oriented coping where the patient consciously works towards minimizing the emotional challenges of the acquired brain injury;
- coping which indicates a lack of motivation where patient chooses not to express his/her emotions;
- avoidance coping where the patient actively avoids coping with their emotions. With this type of coping, there is usually a high level of depression.
Patients who have suffered a stroke may possibly need physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and swallowing therapy. And because it is common for patients to at least initially experience memory loss, rehabilitation in this area may be required as well as using memory aids such as a diary, calendar or a daytimer.
To reduce your risk of of having a stroke, exercise at least thirty minutes each day, eat a nutritional died rich in fruits, vegetables and beans, low-fat dairy products and foods that are low in sodium and fats.
Because a stroke is loss of blood to the brain, the importance of early medical intervention can't be stressed strongly enough in order to reduce the likelihood of a more debilitating disability.
Sylvia Behnish has written numerous articles relating to family issues, motivational topics, entertaining, travel and brain injuries. For more information on any of these topics, go to her sites listed below. She has recently published her first non-fiction book entitled "Rollercoaster Ride With Brain Injury (For Loved Ones)" and her first fiction novel entitled "His Sins", a three generation family saga.
Either of the above books can be ordered by e-mail at the following blog: http://www.progressofabraininjury.blogspot.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Story-About-Strokes---An-Acquired-Brain-Injury&id=6602543] The Story About Strokes - An Acquired Brain Injury
There are two major types of strokes:
- The ischemic stroke is when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain is blocked by a blood clot. If a clot forms in a narrow artery, it is called a thrombotic stroke. If the clot breaks off and travels to the brain, it is called a cerebral embolism.
- A hemorrhagic stroke is when a blood vessel in part of the brain bursts open and blood leaks into the brain. This usually causes a severe headache.
The causes of a stroke are high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, high cholesterol, a family history of strokes, being over fifty-five years of age, living an unhealthy lifestyle, having heart disease, being overweight, drinking heavily, smoking, using illegal drugs, ethnicity, a previous history of strokes or TIA's and women over thirty-five who are on birth control pills, especially if they smoke.
Some of the symptoms are a severe headache, slurred speech, inability to speak or to understand, loss of balance or coordination, confusion, numbness or tingling on one side of the body, vision problems and muscle weakness.
For best prognosis, it is extremely important to get medical treatment within three hours of first symptoms but no later than four to five hours. At the first signs of a stroke, it will be imperative to call 911 in order to get immediate treatment. This reduces disability and can save lives. Medical staff will examine and possibly give a clot-dissolving drug, do tests with probably tests using all or some of the following - an Angiogram, a CT scan, an MRI, and an Echocardiogram. There will probably be lab tests done as well.
Treatment and prognosis will depend on the cause of the stroke, the severity of the stroke, what has been affected and how quickly treatment was begun. There may be bladder and bowel problems, muscle and nerve problems, speech, memory and thinking difficulties as well.
There are three coping strategies for emotional problems related to strokes:
- approach-oriented coping where the patient consciously works towards minimizing the emotional challenges of the acquired brain injury;
- coping which indicates a lack of motivation where patient chooses not to express his/her emotions;
- avoidance coping where the patient actively avoids coping with their emotions. With this type of coping, there is usually a high level of depression.
Patients who have suffered a stroke may possibly need physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and swallowing therapy. And because it is common for patients to at least initially experience memory loss, rehabilitation in this area may be required as well as using memory aids such as a diary, calendar or a daytimer.
To reduce your risk of of having a stroke, exercise at least thirty minutes each day, eat a nutritional died rich in fruits, vegetables and beans, low-fat dairy products and foods that are low in sodium and fats.
Because a stroke is loss of blood to the brain, the importance of early medical intervention can't be stressed strongly enough in order to reduce the likelihood of a more debilitating disability.
Sylvia Behnish has written numerous articles relating to family issues, motivational topics, entertaining, travel and brain injuries. For more information on any of these topics, go to her sites listed below. She has recently published her first non-fiction book entitled "Rollercoaster Ride With Brain Injury (For Loved Ones)" and her first fiction novel entitled "His Sins", a three generation family saga.
Either of the above books can be ordered by e-mail at the following blog: http://www.progressofabraininjury.blogspot.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Story-About-Strokes---An-Acquired-Brain-Injury&id=6602543] The Story About Strokes - An Acquired Brain Injury
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