Rehab and Community Care Medicine Fall 2015: Front Lines

Everything just seems better when the sun is out. Why is that? According to a study by the University of Michigan, those who spent at least 30 minutes outside in pleasant weather experienced a better mindset, reduced stress and even improved memory. These positive results can be attributed to longer days and the subsequent increased availability of sunshine.

However, sunshine’s effect on happiness has a limit. During the hottest days, people are at a higher risk of heat stroke and dehydration. Also, positive attitudes tend to fade as a result of the extreme heat.

A study conducted at the University of Toronto, Duke University and the National University of Singapore found that people who order food online are more likely to consume more calories, spend more money in an effort to conceal their real eating desire and avoid having to interact with a human being.

Researchers found that customers are likely to place calorific pizza orders online versus the phone because then they are less likely to be judged. Online orders came with 14 percent more special instructions— combining or dividing toppings and had 3.5 percent more calories than phone orders.

An astonishing new study from Stanford University School of Medicine has revealed that thinking—even at the most basic level—can aid the growth of deadly brain tumours. These results were based on observation of high-grade gliomas. The solution, according to Dr. Michelle Monje, neurologist and lead author of the study, does not lie in reducing mental activity but in understanding and “targeting” the ways in which neuronal activity creates glioma growth.

A study presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference suggests that certain chemical compounds found in saliva can reveal whether one is likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. This finding comes to light as it is revealed that approximately five million people are living with Alzheimer’s in the United States, “a number expected to increase to 13.5 million by 2050.”

Shraddha Sapkota, a neuroscience graduate student at the University of Alberta, explains that her team examined the presence of metabolites (molecular by-products of metabolism) in saliva to analyze whether changes in cognitive function could aid in determining early indications of Alzheimer’s disease.

Such a test is still a long way from reality. In the meantime, Alzheimer advocates are calling for redoubled efforts to discover a cure or better treatment before the rise in the number of people affected by the disease leads to an increase in costs to caregivers and governments. Suggestions include establishing improved methods of diagnosis to allow doctors to intervene and combat the disease in its early stages, and encouraging patients who are experiencing a decline in cognitive abilities or memory problems to receive routine checkups at their doctor’s office.

Could travelling in space have a negative impact on your bowel movements? A recent study conducted by a group of scientists reveals that exposure to spaceflight can increase the risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Scientists exposed lab mice to stimulated spaceflight surroundings and found that the function of immune cells in the stomach and the bacteria balance influenced a rise in bowel inflammation. This is something to consider before booking your Virgin Galactic spaceflight!

Nearly 1/3 of Ontario long-term care residents have been prescribed antipsychotic medications.

The Canadian Abilities Foundation convenes a forum for the exchange of information to promote an inclusive society and provide inspiration and opportunity for people with disabilities.

CAF was founded in 1986 and has since been a national leader and partner with other organizations and governments on various projects related to disability and communications. Abilities magazine is published on a quarterly basis by CAF and is distributed in print and online to about 60,000 people living with disabilities and a variety of stakeholders from coast-to-coast. www.abilities.ca