A few easy New Year's resolutions to improve or maintain the physical, cognitive, and mental health of ourselves and our patients
In addition to treatment, good psychiatric care includes prevention. Several studies in 2009 show which preventive strategies may work (at minimal cost).
Regulate Glucose Through Exercise, Sleep, and Diet
Glucose regulation appears to play a central role in cognitive function and aging. Hippocampal subregions are vulnerable to abnormal glucose levels, and poor glucose control may interact with coexisting disorders, such as dementia or cerebral infarcts, to worsen cognition.
Possibly helpful interventions include exercise, regular sleep, and controlled caloric intake. Exercise improves insulin and glucose regulation, although high (but commonly used) doses of vitamins C and E block these effects. A regular sleep-wake pattern is important, since…
Author
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)