Depression is a feeling of despair that saps joy and energy from life. Depression is linked to chemical and physical changes in the brain that impact mood and cognitive ability. Depression may also be linked to traumatic events or life changes....
Topamax (topiramate) is a daily, prophylactic medication used to treat migraines and to control epileptic seizures. Although the exact mechanism is unknown, according to Topamax.com, Topamax is thought to "calm" over-excitable nerve cells, which...
Epilepsy is defined as recurrent unprovoked seizures; a seizure is an abnormal electrical "firing" of brain cells that usually lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes, resulting in muscle activity, strange sensations, or even loss of...
The well-documented health benefits of exercise range from a reduction in risk of heart disease and other diseases to an effective means of controlling your weight. However, physical activity can also benefit mental function and learning ability....
Alcoholism has been linked to numerous health problems and disease. Exposure to alcohol over long periods can be especially dangerous for women over a significantly shorter duration than men. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse...
During the later portion of the 20th century, organizational sports took over the "free play" children used to enjoy, which included leisurely games outdoors with neighbors. This is so much so that training programs for sports are now offered to...
Most parents are aware that exercise reduces health problems such as obesity and high blood pressure, but exercise also has important cognitive benefits. Children who exercise tend to develop motor skills earlier and may perform better in school,...
Dilantin (phenytoin) is an anticonvulsant drug used to treat seizures such as those that arise from epilepsy. Dilantin slows down the electrical impulses in the brain that cause seizures. That slowing of brain activity can also have the effect of...
Dilantin (phenytoin sodium) is an anticonvulsant medication that is chemically related to barbiturates. It is effectively used for the treatment of a number of different types of seizure disorders, but may pose the risk of cognitive side effects.
Children hear and learn from the sounds of speech even while they are still in the womb. Language learning accelerates once infants are born. Children’s language instincts inspire them to learn the syntax of their native language and a...
The relationship between food and health is readily illustrated by the North American obesity epidemic and its subsequent influence on escalating rates of heart disease and diabetes. The evidence is unarguable: poor food choices can wreck your...
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), cancer is caused when human cells begin to grow out of control and form abnormal cell growths. Within these cancer cells, the DNA is somehow damaged through the uncontrollable growth. Unlike normal...
Drugs and supplements that enhance brain function are called nootropics, and the study and creation of nootropics is a growing field. But while the scientific community is working to create drugs that make us smarter, diet and supplementation...
Judgment, alertness and memory are cognitive functions, according to the American Psychological Association. Judgment is the capability to make sound and responsible decisions. Alertness refers to the state of paying attention and being able to...
Caffeine is the most widely consumed mind-altering drug in the world. The stimulating effects of caffeine on mood and mental performance have been widely documented, including increased cognitive functioning and alertness. In addition to these...
Memory loss is a normal part of aging, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms include an inability to remember and confusion. However, worsening of memory loss over time can be a sign of a more serious medical condition known as Alzheimer's...
Kava has been used for centuries for its sedative properties. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that the root of the kava plant can be boiled for tea, chewed or pulverized into a powder. When used as a supplement it can be...
DMAE, also known as dimethylaminoethanol or deanol, is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which can quickly cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to rapid changes in brain function, notes FamilyEducation.com. DMAE can be found in...
Different forms of niacin, including inositol hexaniacinate, are important for the function of many different parts of your body, including your brain. Getting more niacin in your diet may help protect you against cognitive problems such as...
Multiple sclerosis is caused by inflammation of the white matter of the central nervous system. This inflammation damages the nerves of the brain and spinal cord, and can cause many different symptoms, depending on which exact nerves are damaged....
Passion flower is a perennial herb that is available as an infusion, a tea, an extract or a tincture. The herb may work by increasing a chemical in the brain known as gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, states the University of Maryland Medical...
The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that approximately 14.8 million adults are diagnosed with major depressive disorder each year. If only some minor impairment occurs and only a few basic symptoms are present, the...
An occasional sleepless night might leave you tired and unpleasant to be around, but repeated sleeplessness and chronic exhaustion can have serious effects on your long-term health and state of mind. If you are frequently overly tired, your...
Supplying your children with nutritious meals may take more planning than depending on fast food or convenience foods to satisfy your children, but the extra effort is worth it in the long term. The benefits of healthy eating can last for years,...
Cerebral palsy is a group of brain disorders that affect the coordination of body movement. As result of medical innovations, many people with cerebral palsy are living into adulthood, but walking, eating, dressing and performing other everyday...
Cognitive function describes the brain's ability to assimilate information and transform it into useful information necessary to perform everyday activities. A decrease in cognitive function is a natural effect of the aging process. According to...
Creatine is a compound that is synthesized in your body by your pancreas and used for energy production in your skeletal muscles, with 95 percent of creatine stored in your muscles and the remaining 5 percent in your brain. Creatine can also be...
Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness or worry that can have physical, emotional, behavioral and cognitive effects on the body. The presence of anxiety is not necessarily a negative thing. According to the National Institute of Mental Health,...
Magnesium is a macromineral, meaning it is required by in large amounts normal body functions. Magnesium plays a critical role in the contraction and relaxation of muscles, energy production, enzyme function and in the production of proteins. It...
Panic disorder is a psychiatric condition wherein the patient experiences chronic panic attacks. These panic attacks can be caused by stress and the fear of more panic attacks. Learn more about panic disorder including treatments and symptoms in...
