New York State is a leader on many health fronts, whether it be antismoking, obesity reduction, or insurance coverage. But our state is also a leader in another area: we are among the states with the greatest shortages in physician supply. According to the Healthcare Association of New York State, the deficits are especially large in rural areas, which lack both primary care physicians and specialists. This situation hits particularly hard in rural communities since primary care doctors may be their only source of health services, including those for mental health. The prevalence of mental illness is not much different in rural and urban areas, but the lack of access to and availability of mental health services are particular challenges in rural areas. According to the American
Tag: dementia
Reinventing palliative care for patients with dementia
Unfortunately, certain diseases make it difficult for health professionals to deliver care in optimal ways. Those diagnosed with dementia have trouble thinking clearly and putting their thoughts together. They tend to have trouble remembering past events clearly and may find themselves disoriented and confused. The experience of dementia can often be painful not only for those living with dementia, but also for their family and friends. Because dementia disrupts the cognitive abilities of these individuals, it can make it difficult for clinicians and caregivers to deliver care that meets the needs of these patients. MORE: THE ASSISTED DYING DEBATE Mental health researchers at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton are working towards the best ways to deliver care to geriatric patients with dementia. Dr. Carrie McAiney and her research
New Study Finds Underweight People More Likely to Develop Dementia
A new study links being underweight in middle age with an increased likelihood of developing dementia latter in life. Read more on sciencespacerobots.com
Commonly Used Medications Linked to Dementia
A new study reveals that higher doses or prolonged use of medications with anticholinergic effects significantly increases the risk for developing dementia. Although, this is not the first study to discover such a link, it is the first to suggest that the risk of dementia as a result of taking such medications may not be reversible.“An anticholinergic agent is a substance that blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the central and the peripheral nervous system. Anticholinergics inhibit parasympathetic nerve impulses by selectively blocking the binding of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine to its receptor in nerve cells. The nerve fibers of the parasympathetic system are responsible for the involuntary movement of smooth muscles present in the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, lungs, etc.”Anticholinergic agents are used to treat a
Diabetic Medication Helps Improve Memory
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston revealed that an FDA-approved medication called rosiglitazone that is used to treat insulin resistance in diabetics also enhances learning and memory. This discovery could improve cognitive performance for those with Alzheimer’s disease. By studying genetically engineered mice designed to serve as models for Alzheimer’s, “the scientists believe that the drug produced the response by reducing the negative influence of Alzheimer’s on the behavior of a key brain-signaling molecule.” The molecule in question is called extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). In the brains of Alzheimer’s patients as well as the mice in the study, this molecule becomes hyperactive, which leads to improper synaptic transmission between neurons thereby interfering with learning and memory. “Rosiglitazone brings ERK