Monthly Archives: October 2006
Scientists and Researchers meet at International Consensus Conference on Impairments of Consciousness Sponsored by Northeast Center for Special Care
(PRWEB) – (PRWEB) May 5, 2006 — Twenty-three leaders in the field of coma and coma-like states, many internationally known, were hosted at Mohonk Mountain House by Northeast Center for Special Care last week to answer the question: “What do we know about coma and what do we need to know?” They came together to help shape the future policy and management for altered states of consciousness at a working meeting called “Impairments of Consciousness: Creating a Consensus,” sponsored by National Brain Injury Research, Treatment and Training Foundation (NBIRTT) and Northeast Center for Special Care.
Apathy and Its Treatment in Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias
By Paul F. Malloy, Ph.D., and Patricia A. Boyle, Ph.D.
Although memory and other cognitive impairments are considered the hallmark features of most dementias, neuropsychiatric abnormalities occur in the majority of such patients (Cohen et al., 1993). Neuropsychiatric symptoms are associated with a rapid course of decline, elevated caregiver distress and overutilization of health care services (Chung and Cummings, 2000; Teri, 1997). Apathy is the most common neuropsychiatric symptom reported among individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), affecting approximately 70% of patients in the mild-to-moderate stages (Landes et al., 2001) and increasing in severity as the illness progresses (Mega et al., 1996). Apathy is common in other dementing illnesses as well (e.g., Parkinson’s disease [PD], vascular dementia) and may even occur in substantial numbers of patients with mild cognitive impairment (Ready et al., 2003). Apathy is associated with functional impairment and caregiver distress at all levels of disease severity (Boyle et al., 2003; Norton et al., 2001; Rymer et al., 2002).
‘Trauma Mommas’ come to the rescue
Moms of children who suffered brain injuries united to provide assistance to parents of young trauma patients hospitalized at Shands Jacksonville and Shands at the University of Florida.
By RON WOOD
Associated Press
JACKSONVILLE – On a quick walk through Shands Jacksonville’s pediatric intensive care unit, Tracy East almost shudders when she spies a child in bed hooked up to tubes and wires.
Bulletin Board — Support Groups
Web Posted: 05/07/2006 12:00 AM CDT
San Antonio Express-News
Phone numbers are in area code 210 unless otherwise indicated.)
ALCOHOL and DRUG ABUSE
Alcoholics Anonymous 24-hour phone line and meeting guide. 828-6235.
Narconon Arrowhead non-profit organization dedicated to treating drug and alcohol addictions. Offers free assessments and referrals. (800) 468-6933 or www.stopaddiction.com
Serum Magnesium Levels May Play Role in Traumatic Brain Injury Outcome
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Medical News
Description
Close to 1.5 million cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI) occur in the United States every year. Annual direct and indirect TBI costs are estimated at $56 billion. Research correlates serum magnesium levels to TBI outcome and offers insight into potential treatment.
Safety fair set at Skate Park
The Tuscarawas County Safe Kids Coalition will hold a safety fair Saturday from 11 to 2 at the New Philadelphia Skate Park. The event, part of National Safe Kids Week, is designed to teach children, teens and caregivers about the brain and risks of traumatic brain injury. Free food, T-shirts and multi-sport helmets will be offered.
Senate passes Shaken Baby syndrome bill
May 6,2006
(Albany, NY – AP) – State senator Nicholas Spano has announced that the Senate has passed his Shaken Baby Syndrome bill.
The bill would make the reckless assault of a child a class D felony. Spano says this will help immensely in cases of shaken baby syndrome and serious beatings where children suffer terrible injuries but intent to injure can’t be proved.
Plato expects bigger 2Q loss as revenue falls
Shares of Plato Learning dropped 9.7 percent Friday after the provider of computer-based tutoring programs said its second-quarter net loss widened as revenue declined. The net loss in the quarter ended April 30 likely will be between $5.5 million and $6.3 million, Bloomington-based Plato said in a preliminary earnings statement. Plato had a net loss of $3 million a year earlier. Second-quarter revenue fell to between $19 million and $20 million, down from $31.4 million last year. Plato has posted losses for the past five quarters. Chief Executive Officer Mike Morache said the company is introducing products and subscription programs but didn’t reach its expectations this quarter in making those changes. Plato will release final results June 1. Plato shares closed at $8.75, down 94 cents.
Blood Test Predicts Brain Injury Outcome
THURSDAY, April 27 (HealthDay News) — Blood levels of magnesium in patients who’ve just suffered traumatic brain injury could help predict outcomes, researchers report.
A team at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Trauma Research Center measured initial blood magnesium levels in 83 patients with severe brain injuries.
‘Trying to find happiness is harder’
May 07,2006
ROSELEE PAPANDREA
DAILY NEWS STAFF
Greg Acosta was the kid who made everybody laugh.
During his senior year at Jacksonville High School in 2005, he was voted class clown and most unforgettable in the yearbook.
