Cognitive Disabilities

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A cognitive disability is one that affects a person's process of thought. There are many social, environmental and physical causes for these disabilities. They can include genetic and chromosomal abnormalities, substance abuse during pregnancy, brain injuries or infection before, during or after birth, prematurity of birth, and nutritional problems.

These disorders are categorized as learning disabilities, mental retardation, acquired brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases. They can include extreme forms such as Down Syndrome or Dementia, or less severe forms such as ADD or Dyslexia. Those with more extreme cognitive disabilities often need assistance with aspects of daily living. Persons affected by less severe forms such as learning disabilities may learn to function through their disability, even to the point where their disability is unnoticeable or never even diagnosed.

1 in 50 Kids Have Autism, New CDC Survey Shows

Details: Published on Wednesday, 20 March 2013 06:38

The number of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders is higher than previously thought, according to data released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A recent survey of 100,000 parents with children ages 6-17, says 1 out of every 50 children have autism.

Comic Book Helps Protect Teens and Adults with Disabilities

Details: Published on Tuesday, 27 November 2012 11:04

The Department of Justice found in a recent study, that teens and adults with disabilities are twice as likely to experience abuse or violence than the average person. Those with cognitive disabilities are even more at risk.

Kidpower.org, a nonprofit leader in personal safety and confidence building, is trying to help those at risk help themselves. The latest iteration of their Safety Comics series is called Fullpower Safety Comics. It is designed to make learning personal safety skills accessible and fun for teens and adults with intellectual disabilities or limited literacy skills.

Early Intervention in Autism Found to Normalize Brain Activity in Children

Details: Published on Monday, 29 October 2012 06:28

Autism is a learning disability that affects many children. Many parents are left in search of a solution that will help their children live a more meaningful life.

A nationwide study has found that an intensive early intervention therapy is effective for improving cognition and language skills among very young children with autism and also normalizes their brain activity. It can decreases their autism symptoms and improves their social skills. The researchers said the study is the first to demonstrate that an autism early intervention program can normalize brain activity.

"We know that infant brains are quite malleable and previously demonstrated that this therapy capitalizes on the potential of learning that an infant brain has in order to limit autism's deleterious effects," said study author Sally Rogers, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and a researcher with the UC Davis MIND Institute.

Lower Carbohydrate and Sugar Diet Reduces the Risk of Cognitive Impairment

Details: Published on Tuesday, 23 October 2012 10:22

A recent study funded by the National Institute on Aging from the Mayo Clinic and published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease has found that people 70 and older who eat food high in carbohydrates have nearly four times the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment, and the danger also rises with a diet heavy in sugar. The study found that people who consume more protein and fat relative to carbohydrates are less likely to become cognitively impaired.

"This is consistent with what we've seen in past published research on how a lower carbohydrate diet can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's," said Colette Heimowitz, vice president of education and nutrition at Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. "This is further evidence that a lower-carbohydrate, lower sugar diet with higher proteins and higher fats is a healthy eating approach and will help reduce the risk for cognitive impairment."

New Brain Study Confirms Anesthesia Risk in Elderly

Details: Published on Tuesday, 23 October 2012 10:10

The warnings given for decades by noted anesthesiologist Dr. Barry Friedberg about the risk of brain damage during major surgery have been validated by a recent study announced by the National Institutes of Health. Study findings published in October 2012 provide clear and indisputable evidence that use of a brain monitor while a patient is anesthetized during surgery significantly reduces the risk of delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD).

Could Chewing Food Be a Predicting Factor for Dementia?

Details: Published on Friday, 19 October 2012 06:00

The Doctors Health Press, a publisher of various natural health newsletters, books, and reports, including the popular online Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin, is reporting on a brand-new study out of Sweden that has come to a very interesting conclusion in regards to chewing food; the way a person chews food is a predicting factor for the development of dementia.

As reported in Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin, researchers say that people who are able to chew properly are more likely to maintain mental strength and proper memory further into old age. It is no secret that the older a person becomes, the more their cognitive functions deteriorate. These include skills like decision-making, problem-solving, and remembering. According to Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin, recent research indicates several possible contributors to these changes, with several studies demonstrating an association between not having teeth, and loss of cognitive function and a higher risk of dementia.

In Focus with Martin Sheen Reporting on Helping Students with Learning Disabilities

Details: Published on Wednesday, 03 October 2012 08:52

The producers of In Focus with Martin Sheen are pleased to announce an upcoming report on how children with learning disabilities are identified in the educational system so that they can receive the help they need to find success in the classroom.

Early Warning Signs of Dyslexia and Solutions for Parents

Details: Published on Thursday, 27 September 2012 09:31

Is your young child struggling with reading? Have you noticed any potential "warning signs" that may indicate a learning disability like dyslexia? Research* shows that one in five people in the United States have some sort of learning disability – yet for many children, the problem remains unidentified and undiagnosed far longer than it should. Experts agree that early detection and intervention is extremely beneficial for children who are showing signs of dyslexia or other learning differences.

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