Written by: Margaret Elle Wiggins, Ph.D. As we step into the new year, many of us set resolutions with the hope of improving our lives – whether it’s increased physical fitness, learning something new, or making healthier choices. The challenge, however, is that these resolutions are often so lofty or specific that they can feel …
You are what you eat. It’s a cliché phrase that most of us have heard but probably have not put much thought into. We know that certain types of diets can lead to health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol, but did you know that what you eat can also have an impact …
Anxiety is an emotion that we feel in response to a threat or a potential threat. Often, it helps us out. For example, anxiety can motivate us to practice an upcoming presentation for class, take a step back when standing at the edge of a tall building, or prepare for an important occasion like meeting …
What is a neuropsychologist? A neuropsychologist is a clinical psychologist with specialized training in the applied science of brain-behavior relationships. Neuropsychologists use cognitive and psychological tests to assess, diagnose, and provide treatment recommendations for individuals with neurological, medical, and psychiatric conditions. These assessments provide a better understanding of each patient’s cognitive, behavioral, and emotional strengths …
The brain is divided into two halves, called hemispheres. Clinically, they are described as the “dominant” and “non-dominant” hemispheres. The dominant hemisphere is generally the half in which language abilities are housed, which for most people is the left (about 99% of right-handed people and 85% of left-handed people). While all aspects of thinking use …
What is a TBI? A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when external forces (for example, from falling, car accident, or assault) cause an injury to the brain. The injury itself can be penetration to the brain, bruising, bleeding, or stretching of the connections between the neurons (brain cells), called axons. The severity of the TBI …
What is Dementia? The term “dementia” refers to a group of conditions that deteriorate the brain over time, causing changes in cognition (thinking), behavior, and physical functioning. When the symptoms are severe enough to impact a person’s ability to function independently, dementia can be diagnosed. They are now more commonly referred to as “neurodegenerative diseases” …
