News reports of research into memory September 2002
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September 2002
Every
year, about 750,000 Americans suffer a loss of blood flow to the brain, an
ischemic stroke. When the stroke occurs on the left side of
the brain, language abilities may be lost (aphasia). However, many of those who
initially lose language abilities after a stroke recover much of their ability
within six to 12 months. Several studies have suggested that such language
recovery occurs because the right hemisphere of the brain takes over language
functions. A new imaging study demonstrates that, indeed, areas on the opposite
side of the brain to the damaged language areas are active during language
tasks, and demonstrate expected patterns of activation with practice.
The study appeared in the Sept. 26 issue of the journal Neuron.
Full reference
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2002-09/wuso-rso092502.php
A large-scale study of older
adults begun in 1989 has revealed that 43% of those with mild cognitive
impairment had psychiatric symptoms (such as depression, irritability, loss of
interest in activities, or changes in sleep or appetite) in the month before
examination. Such symptoms are often shrugged off as emotional reactions to
memory decline, but they may be due to changes in brain function, and may
respond to treatment.
The report appeared in the September 25 issue of the Journal of the American
Medical Association. Full
reference
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2002-09/wfub-tdo092702.php
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