Neuroscience
This interesting perspective is available in free full-text format at the journal's website; here is the link.
Peter J. Whitehouse, Atwood D. Gaines, Heather Lindstrom, and Janice E. Graham. Anthropological contributions to the understanding of age-related cognitive impairment. Lancet Neurology 2005; 4: 320-326. DOI:10.1016/S1474-4422(05)70075-2
Summary
Medical anthropology has not only helped us to understand the social, political, and ethical foundations of modern biomedicine, but also improved the identification and treatment of patients in various geographic, sociological, and medical contexts. In this article, we present an anthropological perspective on the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of age-related cognitive impairment. The ubiquity of cognitive changes in the growing number of elderly people around the world, and the many diverse responses that human communities have taken to such challenges, require biocultural approaches. Anthropology can serve as an ally in accomplishing the goal of improving the quality of life of those with cognitive impairment by highlighting the role of sociocultural processes that influence the development, meaning, and experience of dementia. So too can it serve as a framework for criticism of biomedical research, theory, and practice.
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Neuroscience
Anthropology and Understanding Age-Related Cognitive Impairment
This interesting perspective is available in free full-text format at the journal's website; here is the link.
Peter J. Whitehouse, Atwood D. Gaines, Heather Lindstrom, and Janice E. Graham. Anthropological contributions to the understanding of age-related cognitive impairment. Lancet Neurology 2005; 4: 320-326. DOI:10.1016/S1474-4422(05)70075-2
Summary
Medical anthropology has not only helped us to understand the social, political, and ethical foundations of modern biomedicine, but also improved the identification and treatment of patients in various geographic, sociological, and medical contexts. In this article, we present an anthropological perspective on the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of age-related cognitive impairment. The ubiquity of cognitive changes in the growing number of elderly people around the world, and the many diverse responses that human communities have taken to such challenges, require biocultural approaches. Anthropology can serve as an ally in accomplishing the goal of improving the quality of life of those with cognitive impairment by highlighting the role of sociocultural processes that influence the development, meaning, and experience of dementia. So too can it serve as a framework for criticism of biomedical research, theory, and practice.
- Neuropsychology Abstract Of The Day: Parkinson's Disease
Cholerton BA, Zabetian CP, Quinn JF, Chung KA, Peterson A, Espay AJ, Revilla FJ, Devoto J, Watson GS, Hu SC, Edwards KL, Montine TJ, & Leverenz JB. (2013). Pacific northwest udall center of excellence clinical consortium: study design and baseline cohort...
- Neuropsychology Abstract Of The Day: Olfactory Functioning And Mild Cognitive Impairment (mci)
Djordjevic J, Jones-Gotman M, De Sousa K, & Chertkow H. (2007). Olfaction in patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiology and Aging [epub ahead of print.] Montreal Neurological Institute, 3801 University Street, Department...
- Abstract Of The Day: Mild Cognitive Impairment (mci) & Dementia
Hodges JR, Erzinclioglu S, & Patterson K. Evolution of Cognitive Deficits and Conversion to Dementia in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Very-Long-Term Follow-Up Study. Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders. 2006 Apr 4; 21(5-6): 380-391...
- Abstract Of The Day: Structural Mri Markers
den Heijer T, Geerlings MI, Hoebeek FE, Hofman A, Koudstaal PJ, & Breteler MM. Use of hippocampal and amygdalar volumes on magnetic resonance imaging to predict dementia in cognitively intact elderly people. Archives of General Psychiatry. 2006 Jan;...
- Cognition-enhancer Pharmaceuticals: Foresight Report
Here is the Executive Summary of the newly released Foresight report on cognition enhancers:Executive Summary "The search for treatments for dementia, alongside other scientific and societal changes, has prompted the development of symptomatic treatments...