Posts from ‘May, 2010’

Depression and heart disease are connected. Here are some statistics that have been presented by the National Institute of Health.

• Depression affects those with heat disease at a much higher rate and can have devastating consequences.

• Depression occurs at a 20% higher rate than those with out heart disease.

• Among those who have a history of having a heart attack, the rate of depression is 40-65%.

• Major depression for heart patients may contribute to worsening of symptoms or poor adherence to cardiac treatment regimens.

Not all dementia symptoms are irreversible. The following symptoms can be reversed:

• Reaction to medication

• Emotional distress

• Metabolic disturbances

• Vision and hearing deficits

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Endocrine abnormalities

• Infections

• Subdural hematomas

• Normal pressure hydrocephalus

• Brain tumors

• Atherosclerosis

Dementia is when a person’s intellectual capacity is impaired. Here are the top symptoms to look for.

• Short-term memory loss

  Inability to recall memory from a short-period of time.

• Difficulty problem-solving

  This is the inability to think problems through.

• Can’t solve simple tasks

  Inability to complete simple tasks previously done without effort. Now needs supervision and stepwise instruction.

• Difficulty concentrating

• Paranoia/distrust

• Inappropriate/bizarre behavior

Schizophrenia is a difficult illness to deal with. There are the most popular theories as to the cause of schizophrenia.

• Genetics

  Illness does run in families. Identical twins have the highest risk. Research shows that multiple genes are involved. Similarly there is evidence that prenatal trauma may be involved (intrauterine starvation, viral infection, perinatal complications, etc.)

• Brain

  There is research regarding neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) and schizophrenia. Abnormalities have been found in the structure of the brain of some individuals.

Experiencing schizophrenia or watching someone with schizophrenia can be a frightening experience. Understanding symptoms is important so that the person can receive help. If you or someone you know has schizophrenia contact your physician for a referral to a counselor or a psychiatrist.

Hallucinations:

• Visual (seeing things that are not there)

• Tactile (touch)

• Olfactory (smell)

• Gustatory (taste)

• Auditory (hearing voices others cannot hear)

Delusions:

• False beliefs with evidence to contrary

• Delusions of persecution, which are false