Secrets of You Brain: Post #5--Healing

Healing the Brain. In “Exploring Medicine’s Frontiers,” the authors noted that even though 1% of all global output (billions of dollars) is spent on trying to stamp out Alzheimer’s and other dementias, we have very little to show for it. There’s some thought that exercise, fish oil, and social engagement may help…but there are no guarantees. On the topic of autism there’s more positive data. With early (very early, 12-18 months of age) identification, socially vacant or language delayed kids can benefit from early therapy stressing interactive play. And given the numbers (1 in 110 kids and 1 in 70 boys) affected by autism, it makes sense to give this a priority. In “Three Patients, Three Operations,” the author takes you inside the operating rooms at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center to witness three brain operations, the use of sophisticated electronic equipment, and deft surgeons (almost like elegant electricians) rewiring brains of patients with Parkinson’s and epilepsy.