Dementia
HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infects the immune system, particularly cells called CD4 positive T-cells. As these cells die, the body becomes more prone to infections and cancers that healthy people would be able to fight off. What some people don’t realize is that the HIV virus itself can cause serious problems even without other infections getting involved. One of these problems is HIV Associated Dementia (HAD), also known as HIV encephalopathy or AIDS dementia complex.
Computerized Brain Training
There's a lot of computerized brain training programs being marketed to help improve cognitive performance. Are they worth your time and money?
Brain Training
Scientists have done a lot of research into how to keep sharp as we age. Learn about how to keep your brain healthy as you get older.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Even small head injuries can have large consequences if there's many of them over time. Learn about chronic traumatic encephalopathy here.
What is Dementia?
A review of dementia and its different types.
Prion Diseases: Beyond Creutzfeldt-Jakob
All prion diseases are thought to be rare, but most of the cases that do appear are Creutzfeldt-Jakob. Many people don't know that other forms exist, but these rare forms of prion diseases are equally interesting and unsettling.
Prion Disease
Prions are deformed proteins that cause normal proteins to change shape as well, transforming them into more prions. The result is a cascade of twisted proteins that lead to the death of brain cells, leading to a rapidly progressive dementia.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Creutzfeldt-Jakob is the most common form of prion disease. Prion diseases are caused by a mutated protein that causes more proteins to change shape, transforming them into more prions. The result is a cascade of deformed protein that kills brain cells and leads to rapidly progressive dementia.
Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease
Recent years have seen the advance of new diagnostic techniques that can potentially help doctors with the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. But are these tests necessary? When are they really helpful?
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome consists of the triad of oculomotor changes, confusion, and ataxia. The syndrome can be reversed by giving thiamine (vitamin B1), and should be as soon as possible to prevent permanent memory loss.