Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:00:27 GMT <![CDATA[Mind-Brain Technologies Blog]]> Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:00:27 GMT The positive effect of omega 3 on brain function has proven to be positive. Other supplements such as Ginko Biloba have proven unsuccessful in improving brain function. There are numerous so called “natural” approaches that offer improvement of ADHD symptoms, from specific diets to homeopathy and herbal remedies. Although some of these approaches may offer relief, none can offer remediation. The reason is very simple. Fundamentally, ADHD is a neuro-cognitive impairment and therefore only a neuro-cognitive approach has the potential to resolve the problem.
 The neuro-cognitive programs developed at our clinic have shown significant (and permanent) improvement in symptoms associated with ADHD. You can read a separate article on the subject using this link: http://www.aceclinics.com/article.html
]]> <![CDATA[Can Supplement Cure ADHD?]]> Sun, 31 Jan 2010 08:34:29 GMT A meta-analysis study recently published in the EEG and Clinical Neuroscience magazine looked at using Neurofeedback treatment in treating ADHD. This study, which included 15 studies and 1194 ADHD patients concluded that Neurofeedback can indeed be considered an Evidence-Based treatment for ADHD.  

The results also show that Neurofeedback treatment has large and clinically significant effects on impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity. 

My note: this study confirms what clinicians using Neurofeedback to treat ADHD and other attention impairments have known for a while. We, at the ACEclinic in Toronto, have developed cutting edge programs that improve brain wave balance, as well as enhance core cognitive skills such as sequential processing, multitasking, attention duration, processing speed, selective attention, divided attention, visual and auditory processing and more.

 

]]> <![CDATA[Neurofeedback scientifically confirmed as an effective treatment for ADHD]]> Wed, 23 Dec 2009 07:53:27 GMT A new study confirms that Alpha waves can diminish your attention and cause you to make mistakes.  

According to the study, led by researchers at the University of California and the Donders Institute of the Netherlands, the appearance of Alpha waves, while trying to focus on a cognitive task can be the reason why we sometimes make mistakes such as spilling a cup of coffee or failing to notice a stop sign. It can also explain the source of the difficulties that ADHD individuals experience when trying to perform a task that requires sustained attention. These unwanted Alpha waves interfere with the regular Beta waves that are present when a cognitive task is executed.  

Generally, Alpha waves are in use during daydreaming or when a person closes his eyes. However, if an Alpha wave (that comes from the back of the brain) moves to the frontal cortex while trying to concentrate on a task, this will create a cognitive lapse that will result in some form of an error. Although an important discovery, this is not entirely new. Neuro-cognitive specialists have known for some time that individuals with ADHD maintain an excessive amount of slow brain waves (Alpha and/or Theta waves) that prevent the frontal lobes from being fully engaged and are therefore, unable to sustain attention when required and for as long as it is required. ADHD is a neurological impairment that a person is born with.  

However, the brain is quite an amazing organ that can adjust and upgrade itself if it is taught how to do it (an ability commonly referred to as “neuroplasticity”). The programs developed at the ACEclinics can train the brain to reduce slow brain wave activity such as Alpha and Theta and increase the production Beta 1 and Beta 2 waves, which as a result will improve the overall ability to focus, concentrate, remember and process information adequately.

]]> <![CDATA[Alpha waves as the cause of mistakes and compromised concentration]]> Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:28:36 GMT Wouldn’t it be great if you could get X-rayed or do a simple blood test that would indicate whether or not you are suffering from ADHD? Unfortunately, there is no quick test to establish a diagnosis. The process is a bit more complicated.
Generally, assessing ADHD involves a thorough interview. In the case of a child, both the child and the parents will describe the symptoms that the child is exhibiting. Parents will also be asked questions related to the child’s cognitive deficiencies and academic difficulties. Behavioral, emotional and social problems will also be addressed to rule out other disorders such as anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, Asperger’s, central auditory processing disorder or any other learning disabilities for children, and post traumatic stress disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder or learning disabilities for adults. Whenever any mental disorder is suspected, a more thorough investigation is required.
There are a number of rating scales such as the Connors Rating Scale to assess ADHD and establish the severity of symptoms. The Connors Rating Scale includes three separate tests: self rating, parent rating and in case of a child, also teacher rating.
Click here to read the full article on more advanced technologies, including performance tests and EEG to even more accurately assess ADHD.
]]> <![CDATA[How is ADHD diagnosed?]]> Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:07:36 GMT The Food and Drug Administration has just issued a recall for Adderall IR (immediate release) because the medication appears to be too potent.
Side effects related to the medication could include cardiovascular, neurologic, psychiatric and gastrointestinal reactions such as: palpitations, tachycardia, hypertension, headache, tremor, tic, dyskinesia, dizziness, blurred vision, sweating, insomnia, agitation, euphoria, mania, anxiety, restlessness, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, and decreased appetite.

You can call 888-742-5578 from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. EDT Monday-Friday for more information.
Why not consider SharperBrain: a long-term solution achieved by teaching the brain how to develop all the cognitive skills, and the necessary beta waves for proper concentration, focus, attention and memory?
You can watch a 5 minute presentation by clicking here:
http://www.sharperprograms.com/presentation.html
]]> <![CDATA[FDA Issues Recall For Adderall IR]]> Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:43:39 GMT In a study just published in the Scientific Journal EEG And Clinical Neuro-Sciences, researchers have shown that neuro-feedback is indeed an effective, evidence-based treatment for ADHD. Neuro-feedback or EEG biofeedback has been recognized for over a decade as an effective treatment modality for treating Attention Deficit Disorders (AD/HD) because of its ability to improve brain self-regulation, by enhancing certain brain wave activity. 
                                                                                            
Researchers from Tubingen University in Germany and from Radboud University in the Netherlands have done a meta analysis that reviewed 15 studies and 1194 ADHD patients. The researchers concluded that neuro-feedback is indeed an effective modality that can be considered an evidence-based treatment for ADHD, as it proves to show significant positive effects on inattention, impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. 
 
I am not surprised at these results because I have been using EEG biofeedback in my clinic with great success for over 15 years, both with children and adults. The programs I developed at the ACE clinic offer a perfect combination of neuro-feedback treatment (without the need for expensive and cumbersome equipment), as well as training of all essential cognitive skills, something that traditional Neurofeedback does not do. To read a more detailed article about enhancing brain wave ratios in ADHD individuals, click here.
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]]> <![CDATA[New Research Shows: Neuro-feedback Is An Effective, Evidence Based Treatment For ADHD]]> Thu, 23 Jul 2009 07:22:49 GMT Researchers have identified hundreds of gene variations that occur more frequently in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than in children without ADHD. Many of those genes were already known to be important for learning, behavior, brain function and neurodevelopment, but had not been previously associated with ADHD. The study appeared online in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.
 
 
Drawing on DNA samples from the Children's Hospital pediatric network, the researchers analyzed genomes from 335 ADHD patients and their families, compared to more than 2,000 unrelated healthy children. The team used highly automated gene-analyzing technology at the Center for Applied Genomics at Children's Hospital, directed by Hakon Hakonarson, M.D., Ph.D.,
a co-leader of this study.
 
Source: Elia et al, "Rare Structural Variants Found in Attention-Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder Are Preferentially Associated with
Neurodevelopmental Genes," Molecular Psychiatry, published online, June 23,
COMMENTS:
The knowledge that ADHD is an inherited neurological condition still comes as a surprise when mentioned to many of the patients in my clinic. Such news, however, provide some relief for parents who think they have not been bringing up their children very well, and kids are happy to learn that their condition is not a result of being lazy or dumb.
This is an excellent study that might lead one day to better understanding of ADHD, which is quite a complex disorder. Naturally, much more research is required in order to find a cure. In the meantime, specialized brain training software such as Sharper Brain could be quite beneficial in overcoming some of the neurological difficulties associated with the disorder.
]]> <![CDATA[ADHD and Gene Variations]]> Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:51:29 GMT
Lately, many companies trying to capitalize on the increasing demand for brain training have created all types of software or online-based mental exercises and games, claiming that they can improve brain function. Although such activities can be fun and somewhat beneficial for maintaining overall brain health, they cannot fix problems. There is a big difference between brain training in general and neuro-cognitive training. 
Let's use an example to point out the main difference between the two approaches. Going to the gym and doing weight lifting is overall healthy to maintain the  muscles toned. But if you have a specific problem, for instance you pulled a muscle, or tore a ligament, you will need more specialized exercises to treat an injured area. Neuro-cognitive training works on resolving specific difficulties, whereas brain fitness or general brain training can really help with maintenance. So, if you suffered from a head or brain injury, or if you have a memory impairment because of a chronic condition such as chronic fatigue, chronic pain, post-traumatic disorder, aging or if you are suffering from ADD/ADHD, then just regular video games or brain training is not going to do the trick for you. You will need a specialized neuro-cognitive training.
One of the ways to identify whether a program is intended for general training or designed to resolve specific cognitive difficulties, is to read about each program and to see whether the descriptions provided by the company promoting the program are general or specific. General brain training usually points to general benefits such as improving concentration, or improving memory, or improve your brain health, whereas a specialized program will be much more specific; for instance, improving working memory, improve long-term memory, improving audio-visual coordination, improving multi-tasking or executive functions, and so forth.
Also, neuro-cognitive programs will directly indicate that they were created to help treat specific conditions or deficiencies like ADHD, etc. Here is an example of cognitive skills addressed by a neuro-cognitive program developed at the ACE clinic: http://www.sharperprograms.com/benefits
In summary, before choosing a program, make sure that you understand what you need it for and verify that the program was indeed created to cater your specific needs.
If you have any specific questions about the topic, feel free to post a comment and I will try my best to answer your questions.  
]]> <![CDATA[Brain Training vs. Neuro-cognitive Training]]> Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:39:38 GMT Background

It is estimated that over 5% of all children in North America are experiencing at least one form of attention deficit disorder. ADHD is characterized by one or more of the following: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Learning disabilities are characterized by one or more difficulties associated with attention, reading, writing, oral language, reasoning, memorizing, and problem solving. Further difficulties may include compromised organizational skills and social interaction.

The question of whether or not attention deficit disorders can be remedied has received significant attention from many researchers. Treating children and adolescents with medication has proven to be helpful but is limited by side effects and tolerance.
The introduction of Neurofeedback (also known as EEG Biofeedback), has offered new hope for parents wanting to help resolve the attention related problems of their children without the use of medication. Neurofeedback research has shown that training brain wave patterns can remedy cognitive impairment associated with attention deficit related to ADD, ADHD and LD (learning disabilities).

Brain wave activity and Levels of Attention

The brain produces different frequencies for different levels of attention. They include the following:

Delta – sleep state
Theta – between sleep and awake, also a meditative state
Alpha – relaxed state
Beta1 – focused concentration
Beta2 – alert state
Beta3 – very alert, vigilant
Beta4 – Hyper vigilant

The ability to produce the right brain states, especially those associated with focus and attention is paramount to be able to perform a variety of cognitive tasks such as listening, learning and processing information in general. In addition, the ability to shift from one state to another when required, offers tremendous mental flexibility, which results in enhanced mental performance in every area of life. Click here to read the complete article

]]> <![CDATA[ADHD and Regulating Brain Wave Activity]]> Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:37:24 GMT The term brain fitness has, in recent years, become a favorite term when talking about brain health. After all, we exercise to improve physical fitness, why not exercising the brain – the body’s most important organ?
What’s regarded as good brain fitness practices? Researchers from UCLA found out that searching topics of interest on the internet stimulates more brain circuitry when compared with just reading. Why is that? Basically, anything that triggers the brain to engage in a stimulating, interesting or challenging mental activities can be considered healthy brain practices. Puzzles, Sudoku and brain teasers are great, but learning a new language, in fact learning any new skill would do wonders to your brain.
But not only mental challenges can contribute to good brain health. Eating right, exercising, even having fun are all important factors in helping the brain to function well, maintain flexibility and age slowly. However, I believe that reducing stress is the single most important factor in improving brain health. It is chronic, unresolved stress that can be very taxing for the brain and may speed up its aging process. Good stress management practices are, therefore, very important for improving brain fitness.
A few years ago, a reporter interviewed me for an article on memory. She complained that she herself was having memory problems despite her young age. She was afraid she was suffering from dementia. I calmed her down and told her that her problem was most likely her high level of stress and suggested that she reduce her workload (she was working on many projects at the same time). I happened to speak with her a few months later,  and she confirmed that she indeed reduced her multitasking activities, and combined with some of the memory improvement techniques I taught her, her memory (and stress management) significantly improved.
If you would like to see my list of 10 Ways to Keep Your Brain in Great Shape, click the link.
Are you engaged directly in any brain fitness activity? I would love to get your comments, including what works for you, what kind of goals you are trying to accomplish and if you don’t mind, please also mention your age.
]]> <![CDATA[Brain Fitness]]> Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:13:23 GMT