Neurological diseases are disorders that are specially difficult for the general population to understand, but they are often even more complicated to explain for scientists and treating physicians. In general, we can make two broad distinctions between these diseases: inherited and acquired. The former has genetic and epigenetic causes and are the result of one or more pathological variations and SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms, small “mutations” that everybody has and

Prevalence of Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder in which nerve cells in the brain progressively die, resulting in development of dementia that negatively affects memory and cognitive behavior. The symptoms such as memory loss, disorientations, and mood/behavior changes eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily routines. According to the Alzheimer's Association, over 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s di

by David Cox, RN BSN An Old Woman’s Disease? Not so Fast! Osteoporosis is a chronic disease that weakens your bones and makes them much more likely to fracture, often with devastating consequences if they do. The standard assumption about osteoporosis is that it’s an old woman’s disease. But osteoporosis is surprisingly common in men . The incidence of osteoporosis-related male fractures (especially hip) is rising with aging populations. Osteoporosis in men is serious, under

By: Nesredin Hassen Yesuf LinkedIn | Email Introduction Bell’s palsy is the most common cause of acute unilateral lower motor neuron facial paralysis and remains a frequent presentation in primary care, emergency medicine, and neurology. Characterized by sudden onset of facial weakness without an identifiable structural cause, it accounts for the majority of cases of peripheral facial nerve palsy. Although often self-limiting, early recognition and treatment significantly im

Patellar tracking disorder, also known as patellar maltracking, refers to abnormal movement of the patella (the kneecap). Normally the patella glides smoothly in a groove at the end of your thigh bone (trochlear groove) when you bend or straighten the knee. When this movement is not smooth or unbalanced, a spectrum of disorders, from malalignment to recurrent patella instability and dislocation can occur. It most commonly affects young individuals, particularly women, and is

Long term care (LTC) in the United States is standing at a breaking point. As the population ages and medical complexity rises, the sector is being asked to deliver more care with fewer resources, thinner staffing, and outdated models that no longer reflect the needs of older adults. As your document notes, “the sector must be redesigned to meet the needs of an aging population.” The evidence—and the lived experience of families—makes this case unmistakably clear. The Evidenc

Orthokeratology, usually called Ortho-K, is a non-surgical vision correction treatment. You can think of it like orthodontics, but instead of wearing a retainer to straighten your teeth, you wear a special rigid gas-permeable contact lens to correct your eyesight. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Ortho-K is mostly used for people who are nearsighted (meaning they have trouble seeing things far away). It is a great option for people who want to see clearly w

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is one of the most prevalent chronic health conditions worldwide. It is often referred to as the “silent killer” because many individuals with hypertension do not experience noticeable symptoms until serious complications occur. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and brain. Early detection and proper management are therefore essential to prevent long-term health p

by Kat Pachas BSN, RN Bloating, that uncomfortable feeling when your belly feels tight and full, is something many people deal with now and then. It often happens after eating a big meal full of carbohydrates, like a large plate of your favorite spaghetti. But bloating can also be caused by health conditions. Many people know about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) could also be behind your painful bloating, even though many peop

1.Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication, behaviour, and sensory processing. It reflects the diversity of human development rather than a single uniform condition. ASD arises from a complex interaction of genetic and environmental influences. Increasing prevalence incidence. Importantly Autism is not disease which can be fixed but has to be under

By Benjamin Levinson, MD INTRODUCTION The term “Vampire” immediately conjures up an image of a person who fears the sun, sleeps in a coffin during the day, and hunts for victims at night to drink their blood. It is quite a story that many have believed over the centuries. It has been recognized that a possible origin for this legend is a disease called porphyria (1). The term ‘porphyria’ comes from the Greek work ‘purple’ as most people who have this d

Introduction Why does a slice of cake feel so satisfying even when we are hungry? Beyond taste, beyond calories, beyond sweetness, sugar activates a network in the brain structure known as the mesolimbic pathway. When we eat sugar, this system releases dopamine, reinforcing behaviours the brain interprets as rewarding. While this response is a part of normal human physiology, the frequency and intensity with which it is stimulated in modern dietary environments is historicall

Post-operative delirium (POD) is a common but serious complication following surgery, particularly in older adults, characterized by sudden confusion, disorientation, and fluctuating consciousness. Raising awareness among healthcare providers and families is crucial, not only for early detection and prevention but also for responding with patience and compassion, recognizing that behind the confusion is a person deserving of dignity and understanding.

Author Micah Sagini * For a long time, cervical cancer has been a global health concern for women globally. Cervical cancer ranks fourth among cancer-related causes of death in women worldwide, with more than 500,000 new cases and around 300,000 deaths each year. Unlike most cancers, cervical cancer is caused by a virus known as human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the human reproductive system. This virus is responsible for over 95% of cervical cancer cases [1]. The d

When we listen to our favorite tune, we might feel a shiver run down our spine, a sense of calm and peace, or perhaps we are transported back to a forgotten memory. These feelings are not just fleeting emotional reactions; they are a direct reflection of music's profound and complex impact on our nervous system. From soothing nerves to stimulating the brain, scientific research is unveiling a powerful relationship that transcends music as mere art, positioning it as an influe

Image Credit: Drugs.com What Are Pulmonary Function Tests? Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a set of breathing tests used to evaluate how well your lungs take in air, move it out, and diffuse oxygen throughout the body. They help healthcare providers understand lung performance and identify conditions that may affect breathing. These tests are often used in both routine checkups and specialty clinics. What PFTs Measure Rather than focusing on one single number, PFTs provid

Understanding Sleep Deprivation Sleep deprivation is when a person doesn’t get enough sleep. This can be a short-term issue, affecting one or a few nights, or it can be a chronic concern that lasts weeks or even months. Sleep deprivation can happen for countless reasons, many of them harmless, but it’s also a key symptom of certain health conditions. Sleep is something that everyone needs, and most people need a similar amount, depending on their age. That amount also change

A New Pill That Helps Treat Anemia in Kidney Disease Many patients who have chronic kidney disease will develop anemia, which means their blood does not carry enough oxygen throughout the body. This can cause people feel very tired, weak, dizzy, and short of breath. Many current treatments require shots and frequent visits to a clinic, which can be stressful and inconvenient. A new pill taken by mouth called roxadustat is offering a simpler option. Roxadustat helps the body m

What Triggers Addiction? Addiction manifests in many shapes and forms: drugs, alcohol, food, gambling, exercise, or even scrolling on social media. But what do they all have in common? Humans inherently seek pleasurable experiences, so it is natural to engage in behaviors that are enjoyable. Pleasure arises through the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates the “reward center” of the brain. This reward system is evolutionarily valuable, as it reinforces behavi

It is essential that pregnant women in the United States receive comprehensive medical care throughout the perinatal period, which consist of three trimesters: 1) Prenatal (antepartum) - pregnancy, 2) Intrapartum -labor and birth, and 3) P ostpartum - the first 42 days after the birth. According to 2023 data from the National Center for Health Statistics [NCHS], Hoyert (2023) reported that non-Hispanic Black women in the United States experienced significan