Neurobiology of Gambling Behaviors

Can games sharpen brain cells ?

How to reduce the risk of hypertension

Hypercholesterolemia

Comment créer la bonne atmosphère dans votre salle de réunion ?

Huntington’s disease

History of the classification of mental disorders

Hallucinations

Fibromyalgia

Thérapie par la danse et le mouvement

Author Archives: Stéphane Bastianetto

  1. Neurobiology of Gambling Behaviors

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    Ever wondered why some people continue to gamble even after long losing streaks? The explanation is straightforward. Every gambler is unique. Some people play slots for social reasons. Some play casino games to gain a reward—money or unlock in-game bonuses.

    According to scientists, your brain contributes a lot to your gambling behaviors. Against that backdrop, this article will explain more about how your brain, thoughts, and emotions may impact your gambling tendencies.

    Achievers

    Some people have an achieving spirit. They strive to beat the odds to win games no matter what it takes. By nature, achievers love challenges. If they pick a slot machine, they will work hard to unlock its bonus features, trigger multipliers, scatters and wild symbols.

    When you’re an achiever, you’re never put down by losses. You focus on your goals instead, counting cards in blackjack, beating the roulette wheel or winning a jackpot in a progressive slot.

    Ideally, every gambler should be an achiever. Sadly, not every player has the patience or motivation to gamble until they win. You can blame players really. Although you can win casino games, luck is your biggest friend or enemy.

    You may have an achiever’s mindset, but it won’t help you in a game of slot or roulette. The only thing you could do to tilt the odds in your favor is to follow good practices. An example is choosing a high-paying slot or using a strategy in blackjack.

    Creative Players

    Some people play casino games for the social experience. Others log into their casino account to beat the house. Creative gamblers in Canada are always looking for ways to improve their gaming experience and profits.

    For example, they will choose the fastest payout casinos in Canada to avoid frustrations whenever they make profits. They also pick websites with high-paying games—payouts determine how often you win or lose.

    Every gambler should strive to be creative and disruptive. You should look for ways to beat casinos at their own game. That being said, this is not part of every player’s neurobiology.

    Some people simply play slots and poker to pass the time. That’s alright. But it’s not how creative players approach casino games. They treat the industry like a business.

    If they indulge in poker, they will spend their time learning how better opponents make their moves. Or, they will focus on identifying the weakness of their fellow gamblers. In doing so, they will have the upper hand. 

    Free Spirited Players

    Free-spirited gamblers don’t care about renowned strategies and rules. They do what their heart desires, even if this means playing a low-RTP slot that professional gamblers would otherwise avoid.

    To be clear, free-spirited gamblers aren’t losers in the game of gambling money. Some of them are highly successful. They succeed by exploring all types of games, and not just the titles recommended to them by experts.

    You see, most gamblers choose specific popular slots. They go after games others have played and enjoyed. Nonconformist players pick new games. Or, they go after progressive slots in the hopes of hitting hard to achieve jackpots.

    Should you become a carefree gambler? Unless it’s in your brain to avoid rules and precautions, care-free gambling isn’t the best way to enjoy slots and table games. It may work for some, but it is likely to trigger errors that could cost you a lot of money in the long term.

    Socially Focused Players

    As already mentioned, the majority of players gamble for social reasons. They want to participate in something their friends and family do. Better yet, they enjoy interacting with others online.

    Social players love live casino games—these games link you to human opponents through video. Most table games, from poker to roulette, can be played in a live setting.

    Compared to achievers, social players don’t care much about upskilling. They don’t necessarily gamble to make money. Their goal is to have fun even if they lose some of their money in the process.

    Another popular trait of these players is that they chase badges, rankings and rewards. Social players are more likely to hunt trophies and complete missions than other types of gamblers.

    Educators

    You’ve probably come across this breed of players. They learn new games and perfect their skills so that they can later teach their skills to others. Educators tend to run blogs, YouTube and Twitch channels.

    In a way, educators are caring gamers. They don’t just play to enjoy games. They also love to extend the experiences to new players. And so, they’re highly social on forums and social media, usually by sharing their knowledge.

    What motivates some people to educate others about casino games? For starters, these players are social by nature. They love interacting with their fellow gamblers. Secondly, they feel obliged to impart knowledge to inexperienced players.

    Compulsive Gamblers

    No one wants to fall into this category of gambling. It describes people with little to no control over their gambling habits. Contrary to popular belief, compulsive gamblers are not necessarily poor at managing money.

    Some neurobiologists suggest that gambling addiction affects people differently. You may play a slot and like it. But that doesn’t automatically lead to an addiction. Someone could play the same game and develop an urge to play it over and over again.

    The explanation: our brains have two experiences whenever we interact with people or things. The brain may like something. Or it may want it. Your brain wanting you to do something repeatedly can lead to addiction even if you try to stop it.

    That’s why addiction tends to affect all social groups. It doesn’t discriminate between the rich and the poor, young or old. If you’re susceptible to getting attached easily to different experiences, you have a higher likelihood of getting addicted to drugs.

    Conclusion

    How you approach gambling depends a lot on your brain activity and personality. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If you’re wired to think hard until you solve a problem, you probably enjoy beating the casino in roulette and blackjack. If you’re social by nature, you probably gamble for fun or to socialize.

  2. Can games sharpen brain cells ?

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    Cognitive enhancement is something everyone wants, but not everyone knows how to achieve it. Sure, there are plenty of ways to improve mental performance, from diet and exercise to medication and supplements. But what if you could use your favorite hobby as a way to sharpen your brain cells? Enter: video games. Yes, you heard that right – video games can actually be used for cognitive enhancement, rather than just as a form of entertainment. In this article, we will explore the science behind why and how this works, as well as examine some of the best types of games for improving brain power. So get ready – it’s game time!

    Some games can reinforce the connections between the brain cells and improves cognitive functions

    Games that help improve cognitive skills

    There are many games that help improve cognitive skills. One example is Lumosity, which is a web-based program that offers brain training exercises to improve memory, attention, flexibility, speed of processing, and problem-solving. Another example is Cogmed, which is a computerized program that helps with working memory. There are also many games available on smartphones and tablets that can help improve cognitive skills. Some examples include Sudoku, crosswords, and word puzzles.

    There is growing evidence that certain types of games can help improve cognitive skills. These games typically involve some type of challenge or task that must be completed to progress to the next level. As the player completes more levels, the difficulty of the tasks increases, forcing the player to use higher-level thinking skills to succeed. Games that help improve cognitive skills can be used as part of a larger brain-training program or as standalone exercises to help improve specific cognitive abilities.

    How to know if a game is actually beneficial

    There are a few things to look for when trying to determine if a game is actually beneficial for brain health. First, the game should be challenging and require problem-solving skills. Second, it should be engaging and hold your attention. Third, it should be social, so you can interact with other players and get feedback. Finally, it should be fun! If a game meets all of these criteria, then it is likely to be beneficial for brain health.

    The different types of games that can help

    There are a variety of games that can help sharpen brain cells. One type of game that can be helpful is memory games. These types of games can help improve one’s memory by giving them practice in recalling information. Another type of game that can help sharpen brain cells is logic puzzles. These puzzles can help improve problem-solving skills and critical thinking.

    Online games vs. in-person games

    We all know that games are a great way to sharpen our brain cells. But what’s the difference between playing an online game and playing an in-person game?

    In-person games require us to use more of our senses, as we have to physically interact with the game. This means that we have to process more information, which can help to improve our cognitive skills. Online games, on the other hand, tend to be more focused on one specific task. While this can still help us to improve our problem-solving skills, it doesn’t provide the same benefits as in-person games.

    So, if you’re looking for a way to give your brain a workout, try playing some games with friends or family. You’ll not only have more fun, but you’ll also be giving your mind a chance to grow!

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, games can sharpen brain cells and boost cognitive function. Playing games can help improve problem-solving skills and memory, while also providing a fun way to de-stress. While playing video or computer games is always an option, traditional board games are often the best way to sharpen up your thinking skills. Whether you are looking for something lighthearted or mind-bendingly complex, there’s sure to be a game out there that will challenge you in all the right ways!

  3. How to reduce the risk of hypertension

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    Certain rules of hygiene can reduce the risk of hypertension. For hypertensives, these rules will increase the effectiveness of the medication.

    Maintain a healthy diet

    You can reduce your risk of hypertension by losing 5 kg in 6 months and maintaining your weight for three years if you eat healthy (fruits, vegetables, and lower fat foods).

    World Health Organization recommends a daily salt intake of 5 g, the equivalent of a good teaspoon. The intake of salt increases the risk of hypertension.

    Less salty foods also eliminate tissue water

    A high amount of salt is present in many industrial products (prepared meals). These products should be avoided as much as possible.

    Eat the following foods

    • In order to regulate blood pressure, dairy products, preferably low-fat, contain proteins that dilate and enlarge the arteries.
    • Fruits and vegetables contain ingredients (in particular polyphenols) which are vasodilators and antioxidants, as well as potassium, which regulates blood pressure.
    • Oat flakes are particularly useful for regulating insulin, which promotes atherosclerosis and hypertension.
    • Baguettes should be avoided in favor of wholemeal bread.

    Engage in physical activity

    • Take part in regular physical activity (30 minutes, three times a week) such as swimming, cycling, walking, etc.
    • Consume alcohol in moderation
    • Weight gain and blood pressure are facilitated by alcohol.
    • Antihypertensive medications can also be less effective when consumed with alcohol.
    • Alcohol withdrawal can treat hypertension in chronic alcoholics.

    Sleep well

    A lack of sleep increases the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, as well as hypertension. Hypertension is 30% more likely to occur in people who do not sleep enough or do not sleep well. It has been suggested that those who slept 7 to 8 hours per night were most protected.

    Polypharmacy should be limited

    The following medications increase blood pressure: antidepressants, birth control pills, cancer drugs, anti-inflammatories, and cortisone.

  4. Hypercholesterolemia

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    Hypercholesterolemia is a condition characterized by abnormally high levels of cholesterol in the blood. The elevated cholesterol is usually caused by an overloaded liver, which produces too much cholesterol to meet the body’s needs.

    High levels of cholesterol can lead to serious health issues such as stroke, heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases. Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, and sometimes medication.

    Hypercholesterolemia means high blood cholesterol. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is produced by the liver and present in all cells of the body.

    All the cholesterol a person needs is produced in the liver, but another source is dietary cholesterol, which comes from animal foods such as meat, poultry, dairy products, egg yolk and Fish.

    These foods are high in saturated fats and trans fats, substances that can cause the liver to produce excess cholesterol and in some cases can lead to high cholesterol.

    Cholesterol is needed for various bodily functions, including the synthesis of cell membranes and certain hormones, as well as the production of substances necessary for the digestion of fats. However, too high a cholesterol level can increase the risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis.

    Hypercholesterolemia and risk of stroke

    Hypercholesterolemia is a medical term to describe having high levels of cholesterol in the blood, which can increase the risk of stroke. Risk factors include age, gender, genetics, lifestyle choices (such as diet), and certain medications. If left untreated, having high cholesterol can lead to an increased risk of stroke due to blockages in the arteries or changes in blood flow.

    Consequently, it is important for those with hypercholesterolemia to take measures such as following a healthy diet and engaging regular physical activity.

    Hypercholesterolemia and risk of dementia

    Preclinical studies carried out in rodents have widely reported the deleterious role of abnormally high levels of cholesterol on neurons. Researchers have hypothesized that high cholesterol increases levels of amyloid in the brain, thereby promoting the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. This hypothesis was verified thanks to neuroimaging techniques highlighting the simultaneous presence of high cholesterol levels and early amyloid deposits in patients aged 40 to 55 years.

    The association between hypercholesterolemia and Alzheimer’s is less obvious than it seems, and seems to depend on the age of the subject. Indeed, while epidemiological studies report a link between high cholesterol levels in midlife and an increased risk of dementia, this link disappears when participants reach a later age. Some studies have even reported an elevated risk of dementia in those with low cholesterol levels.

    A Belgian study was conducted to clarify these observations by following nearly 1500 healthy women, aged 38 to 60 when they were included in the study, and followed for 32 years.

    The first cholesterol measurements were made in 1968-69, and follow-ups at different periods: 1974-75, 1980-81, 1992-93 and 2000-01.

    Results

    1. Eleven percent of women developed dementia during the 32 years of follow-up.

    2. No association between hypercholesterolemia and dementia exists in women who were followed for the maximum period of 32 years, ie in 1968-1969 and 2000-2001.

    3. Women who developed dementia had higher than average cholesterol levels only in the first 3 measurements (ie 1968-69, 1974-75 and 1980-81).

    4. On the other hand, we observe that a steady drop in cholesterol levels during the follow-up period is associated with an increased risk (+135%) of dementia, but not of Alzheimer’s disease. This decrease in cholesterol levels is linked to a drop in body mass index (BMI). It should be noted that the BMI of women who developed dementia was lower during the last two follow-ups (i.e. in 1992-93 and 2000-01), compared to those who did not develop dementia. .

    Source: The 32-year relationship between cholesterol and dementia from midlife to late life. Neurology. 2010;75:1888-1895.

  5. Comment créer la bonne atmosphère dans votre salle de réunion ?

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    L’organisation d’une salle de réunion peut être un défi, mais ce n’est pas une fatalité. Avec un aménagement, un mobilier et une technologie adaptés, vous pouvez créer un espace efficace pour des réunions productives. Dans cet article de blog, nous allons explorer comment concevoir une salle de réunion efficace qui permet aux participants de collaborer de manière transparente et productive. Nous aborderons des sujets tels que la création de la bonne atmosphère, le choix de la bonne disposition des sièges, la sélection de la bonne technologie et d’autres conseils qui peuvent vous aider à créer un environnement propice à la collaboration. Si vous cherchez des moyens de rendre votre salle de réunion plus efficace et plus productive, poursuivez votre lecture !

    1. Pourquoi la conception d’une salle de réunion efficace est importante

    Organiser une salle de réunion peut être un défi, mais c’est l’un des aspects les plus importants pour assurer la productivité et encourager la collaboration au sein d’une entreprise. La conception d’une salle de réunion doit être adaptée à l’objectif de la réunion et à la taille du groupe. Il est important de prêter attention à chaque détail, car cela peut avoir un impact significatif sur le climat et le résultat de la réunion. Une bonne conception de salle de réunion peut aider à créer un environnement favorable pour une collaboration efficace et productive.

    2. Conseils pour créer la bonne atmosphère dans votre salle de réunion

    L’atmosphère joue un rôle crucial dans la productivité et la collaboration lors des réunions. Vous devrez donc vous assurer que ll’atmosphère est propice à des réunions productives. Pour créer la bonne atmosphère, vous devrez prendre en compte plusieurs éléments :

    – Le mobilier approprié. Assurez-vous que les sièges sont confortables et que la disposition est ergonomique et facilite les interactions.

    – L’utilisation de matériel audio-visuel. Utilisez des écrans interactifs, des tableaux blancs numériques ou d’autres outils pour permettre aux participants de partager leurs pensées et idées.

    – La lumière, le son et la température de la pièce doivent être adaptés pour créer une atmosphère agréable et productive.

    Lorsqu’il s’agit d’organiser des réunions produitves, la conception et l’aménagement de votre salle de réunion sont aussi importants que le choix des participants et les sujets abordés. Il est essentiel de concevoir une pièce qui inspire confiance, productivité et collaboration.

    Comment choisir une disposition appropriée des sièges qui permette aux participants de collaborer facilement

    Lorsque vous organisez une réunion, il est important de penser à la façon dont vous disposez les sièges. Vous pouvez choisir des chaises confortables et disposées de manière à ce que les gens puissent facilement parler et travailler ensemble. Veillez à ce que chacun puisse se voir et entendre ce qui se passe. Il est également important de s’assurer que la disposition des sièges offre à chacun suffisamment d’espace personnel.

    Si vous organisez une réunion à plusieurs, choisissez une table assez grande pour accueillir tous les participants et prévoyez assez d’espace pour s’étendre. Vous pouvez opter pour des chaises autour de la table si cela fonctionne mieux, ou disposer les sièges en cercle afin que personne ne soit plus proche qu’un autre. Si vous avez des présentations ou des travaux en groupe, vous pouvez penser à disposer les sièges de manière à ce qu’il y ait suffisamment d’espace pour écrire et fonctionner librement.

  6. Huntington’s disease

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    Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a rare, neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain and results in physical, mental and behavioral symptoms. It is caused by a genetic mutation and can lead to intellectual decline, impaired movement and changes in personality. Though the exact cause of Huntington’s Disease remains unknown, there are treatments available to help manage symptoms.

    Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease

    Common symptoms of Huntington’s Disease include difficulty walking or balancing, involuntary movements, emotional instability that can manifest as depression or irritability, and problems with thinking, planning and problem-solving. Other physical manifestations of the disorder may include unsteadiness, stiffness or jerky, uncontrolled movements. In addition to these physical symptoms, people living with HD often experience cognitive decline, including difficulty in forming new memories and difficulties paying attention.

    Causes of Huntington’s Disease

    Huntington’s Disease is caused by a mutated gene responsible for creating a protein called huntingtin. This mutated gene, inherited from either parent, causes the body to produce an unusually large amount of the protein, which can then damage parts of the brain responsible for controlling thought, emotions and movement. Researchers are still working on understanding exactly how this mutation affects the brain cells.

    Diagnosis for Huntington’s Disease

    Diagnosis of Huntington’s Disease is based on an individual’s family history, a physical exam, and a neurological exam. There are also genetic tests and imaging scans available to help confirm or rule out the condition. Genetic counseling and other forms of psychological therapy can be beneficial for those living with implications due to their diagnosis.
    Treatments for Huntington’s Disease
    Treatments for Huntington’s Disease are aimed at symptom management, typically focusing on medications to improve movement and speech, psychotherapy to help manage the emotional effects, and occupational therapy to help with day-to-day activities. Surgery is only sometimes considered if symptoms become severe enough. Additionally, gene editing has been explored as a potential therapy in some cases.

    Prevention of Huntington’s Disease

    Huntington’s Disease is an inherited condition, so there is no way to prevent it. Genetic counseling and testing may be useful for individuals at risk of passing it on to their children. Additionally, taking steps to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle can help manage the symptoms but will not prevent the onset of any neurological disorder.

    Tips for Coping

    Huntington’s disease is a progressive neurological condition with a wide range of symptoms that can be difficult to manage. To help cope, it is important to keep things simple by making sure to get enough rest, exercise, and nutrition. One practical suggestion for those dealing with HD is to carry earplugs to help block out noise that may otherwise be uncomfortable. It is also very helpful to carry calendars and sticky notes when you are out and about, as well as setting up a message center in your home for other family members to check. Additionally, using voicemail and recording systems can help make sure you don’t miss any messages or phone calls, while using recipes with a numbering system can help follow directions more easily.

  7. History of the classification of mental disorders

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    Mental disorders refer to a broad range of conditions that can affect a person’s thinking, feeling, mood and behavior. These conditions include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

    The dates for the classification of these mental health conditions are listed here.

    Philippe Pinel  (1745-1826), French psychiatrist, is interested in the mental pathology of the elderly and its disabling aspect. We must give him the first classification of mental illness. He identifies different categories of patients.

    Jean-Etienne Esquirol  (1772-1840), French psychiatrist, deepens the work of Pinel: he establishes the different forms of melancholy, establishes the distinction between hallucinations and illusions and draws a parallel between madness and passions.

    Joseph Daquin  (1732-1815), French psychiatrist, classifies the insane into different groups: the insane, the quiet insane, the extravagant, the insane and the insane in dementia.

    1810 : there are differences on the notion of mental illness; three schools stand out: the French, Scottish and English schools.

    Antoine Ritti  (1844-1920), sends a report (1895) on the psychoses of the elderly subject.

    Jules Seglas  (1856-1939), French psychiatrist, particularly studied the classification of disorders and diseases (called nosography) of psychoses including delusions and hallucinations.

    Karl Ludwig Kahlbaum  (1828-1899), German psychiatrist, considers mental illness to be an illness that develops over time.

    1860 : demonstration of the existence of a correlation between mental functions and the different parts of the brain. For example, Arnold Pick (1851-1924; Czech Republic) shows that the dysfunction of language and praxis is associated with damage to the temporal and frontal lobes.

    1887 : S. Beljahow reports that neurons in the cerebral cortex of elderly patients with dementia are distorted and in the form of debris:

    Emil Kraepelin  (1856-1926), German psychiatrist, distinguished in 1889 manic-depressive psychoses from early dementias. He defines psychotic states as a profound alteration in the subject’s consciousness. He will publish eight editions of his Treatise on Psychiatry from 1883 to 1909.

    Emil Redlich  (1866-1930), Austrian neurologist, described, in 1898, plaques in the cerebral cortex of a 78-year-old woman who suffered from senile dementia. He is probably the first to speak of ‘senile plaques’.

    Andre Leri  (1875-1930), French neurologist, presented a report in 1906 in which he described histological lesions (these lesions are amyloid plaques) that Alois Alzheimer would later describe as characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.

    Alois Alzheimer  (1864 – 1915), German psychiatrist, followed the case of a 51-year-old patient suffering from dementia with cognitive alterations, delirium and hallucinations, until her death in 1906. By examining the brain, he discovered histological lesions (called plaques and neurofibrillary degeneration) characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. Alois Alzheimer published a second identical case in 1911 in a younger person.

    1906  : Solomon C. Fuller (1872-1953), American psychiatrist, describes the presence of neurofibrillary degeneration in senile dementia.

    Emil Kraepelin  (1856-1926), subsequently proposed designating this type of dementia by the name of his colleague Alois Alzheimer.

    1912:  E. Kraepelin defines « Alzheimer’s disease » as a rare pre-senile dementia affecting the young subject, and qualified as « senile dementia » the vascular dementias of the elderly subject, caused by a lack of oxygen (caused by a blockage of vessels) in the brain. The idea of ​​the vascular origin of senile dementia lasted until the 1960s, with the common use of terms such as arteriopathic dementia  or  cerebral vascular insufficiency .

    Around 1900 , two forms of senile dementia were identified: dementia linked to arteriosclerosis (aging of the arteries and arterioles which harden) and subcortical dementia which affects the cerebral structures located under the cortex.

    At the beginning of the 20th century , elderly people with cognitive and/or behavioral disorders were very often placed in institutions against their will until their death. Around 1930, Grégoire Halberstadt devoted himself to the clinical study of early dementia.

    1949  : publication of the 6th revision (ICD-6) of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, containing for the first time a classification of mental disorders. The International Classification of Diseases is published by the World Health Organization (WHO)

    1952  : The American Psychiatric Association publishes the first Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) which aims to create a common reference of mental disorders. In all, five editions will be published: the DSM I (1952), DSM II (1968), DSM-III (1980) and its revised form DSM-III-R (1987), the DSM-IV (1994) and its revised DSM-IV-TR (2000). A sixth edition (DSM V) is planned for 2013.

    Mental disorders include five axes

    Axis I  : Major clinical disorders: depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, attention disorder with or without hyperactivity, autism spectrum disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia and schizophrenia.

    Axis II  : Personality disorders and mental retardation: paranoid personality disorder, schizoid personality disorder, schizotypal personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, personality disorder, avoidant personality disorder, dependent personality disorder, obsessional neurosis, and mental retardation.

    Axis III  : Specific medical aspects and physical disorders: these are brain damage and other medical/physical disorders that can aggravate existing illnesses or symptoms.

    Axis IV  : Psychosocial and environmental factors

    Axis V  : Global Assessment of Functioning Scale

    Around 1960  : reorganization of psychiatry as a whole; importance of the social aspect of patient care; global approach to the patient which takes into account the psychological and social aspects.

    1969  : first geriatric psychiatry manual published by the Swiss psychiatrist Christian Müller.

    1970s : Doctors realized that the majority of senile dementias had the characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease.

    1974 : Hachinski described dementia by multiple infarctions, dementia distinct from that of the Alzheimer type, and established a scale which bears his name (scale adapted by Loeb and Gandolfo, in 1983, after the support of the scanner).

    Beginning of the 1980s : the care of the elderly is the subject of particular attention from French psychiatry. In 1981, a summary of psychogeriatrics was published in French by the Swiss psychiatrists C. Müller and Jean Wertheimer.

    1981 : introduction of the term psychogeriatrics, defined as the medical discipline concerned with the prevention of the consequences of aging, the psychology of nursing practice, the relational and behavioral problems of the patient’s family (caregiver) and professional environment. Not to be confused with psychogerontology, which is the science that seeks to understand, and possibly correct, the behavior of the aging person.

    1990  : tenth revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) with its chapter 5 on ‘mental and behavioral disorders’. This chapter is structured as follows:

    1.  Organic mental disorders, including symptomatic disorders.
    – Dementia in Alzheimer’s disease (early onset, late onset, atypical or mixed form, unspecified).
    – Vascular dementia (with acute onset, multiple infarcts, mixed, cortical and subcortical, unspecified).
    – Dementia associated with other diseases classified elsewhere (Pick’s disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), other diseases).
    – Organic amnesic syndrome, not induced by alcohol or other psychoactive substances.
    – Delirium, not induced by alcohol or other psychoactive substances (not added to dementia, added to dementia, unspecified).
    – Other mental disorders, due to brain damage or dysfunction, or to a physical condition (examples: organic hallucinatory state, organic catatonia, organic delusional disorder, mood disorders, organic anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, lability (asthenia) emotional, mild cognitive impairment).
    – Personality and behavioral disorders due to brain disease, injury and dysfunction (eg post-encephalitic syndrome, post-concussion syndrome).
    – Organic or symptomatic mental disorder, unspecified.

    2.  Mental and behavioral disorders related to the use of psychoactive substances .

    3.  Schizophrenia, schizotypal disorders and delusional disorders .

    4.  Mood (affective) disorders .
    – Manic episode.
    – Bipolar affective disorder.
    – Depressive episodes.
    – Recurrent depressive disorders. 
    – Persistent mood disorders (eg cyclothymia, dysthymia).
    – Other mood disorders.

    5.  Neurotic Disorders, Disorders Related to Stressors and Somatoform Disorders . – Phobic anxiety disorders (eg agoraphobia, social phobias).
    – Other anxiety disorders (examples: panic disorder, generalized anxiety).
    – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
    – Reactions to a major stressor, and adjustment disorders.
    – Dissociative disorders.
    – Somatoform disorders.
    – Other neurotic disorders (eg neurasthenia).

    6.  Behavioral syndromes associated with physiological disturbances and physical factors .

    7.  Personality and behavioral disorders in adults .

    8.  Mental retardation .

    9.  Disorders of psychological development .

    10.  Behavioral and emotional disorders usually appearing during childhood and adolescence .

    11.  Mental disorder, not otherwise specified .

    1994 : Hachinski advanced the concept of “vascular cognitive disorders” encompassing vascular dementia. According to him, vascular dementia is not strictly speaking a dementia syndrome as it is defined for Alzheimer’s disease.

    1999 : publication of the book ‘Psychiatry of the elderly subject’ (authors Jean-Marie Léger, Jean-Pierre Clément, Jean Wertheimer).

    2003 : O’Brien et al. propose the term  vascular  cognitive impairment, which encompasses the different forms of vascular damage. These disorders are not necessarily accompanied by dementia.

    2004 : Roman et al. propose the term “vascular cognitive diseases”. This term encompasses the notions of  vascular cognitive deficit  and vascular dementia. Vascular cognitive deficit refers to the concept of « mild cognitive decline » (a stage often preceding Alzheimer’s disease), and is therefore limited to non-demented patients.

  8. Hallucinations

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    Hallucinations are signs of mental illness, but they don’t always mean that a person is sick. They are, in fact, quite common.

    A 2015 study done in Europe found that 7.3% of people said they had heard voices all their life. A study from South Africa on hallucinations in the general population estimated the higher rate at 12.7%

    Scientists don’t fully understand why some people have hallucinations and others don’t. They don’t know what causes them in people with mental disorders such as schizophrenia.

    Types of Hallucinations

    Hallucinations are not always a sign of a mental health disorder. They can occur whenever there is a change in brain activity. 

    Some people are more vulnerable to hallucinations when they fall asleep or partially wake up.

    A 2019 study in mice that took a hallucinogenic drug found that the animals had less activity in brain regions that researchers have associated with processing incoming visual information.

    This observation suggests that a hallucination could be the brain’s way of compensating for a drop in sensory information.

    There are many types of hallucinations, including:

    • Auditory  : a person hears something that is not there, such as a voice or a radio.
    • Visual  : they cause someone to see something that is not real, such as a person or an animal.
    • Olfactory  : they can occur when a person smells something that is not there.
    • Gustatory : they transmit the taste to someone of something that he has not eaten.
    • Tactile  : they occur when a person has the impression that something or someone has touched them.
    • Somatic  : These hallucinations can affect the whole body, causing unreal sensations like that of insects crawling on the skin.

    The causes

    Many medical conditions and other factors can cause hallucinations. 

    Drugs

    Medicines called hallucinogens can cause hallucinations. These drugs temporarily change the way the brain processes and sends information, causing unusual experiences and thoughts.

    LSD, dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and certain mushrooms are common hallucinogens.

    Schizophrenia

    Schizophrenia is a mental illness that changes the way a person thinks and behaves. It can also cause psychosis, which is a loss of contact with reality.

    People with psychosis may experience delusions and hallucinations and exhibit behaviors that are not typical. 

    Antipsychotic medications can help manage symptoms, and some people do better with treatment.

    Postpartum Mental Health Disorders

    Many new parents struggle with   postpartum  depression and anxiety.

    Some suffer from postpartum psychosis, but this is less common. For example, a mother thinks she hears her baby cry when the baby does not.

    Since postpartum psychosis can put the baby at risk and disrupt the parent-child relationship, prompt treatment is essential. Therapy, medication, and social support can help.

    Anxiety and depression

    People with anxiety and depression may experience periodic hallucinations. They are usually very brief and often relate to the specific emotions felt by the person. For example, a depressed person may hallucinate that someone tells them that they are worthless.

    Treatment of the underlying disorder can often eliminate these hallucinations.

    Alcohol withdrawal

    Alcohol withdrawal can cause hallucinations, especially in people who have a severe withdrawal syndrome called delirium tremens.

    A person with delirium tremens may also become very sick, vomit, or shake. Symptoms often disappear after several days.

    Dementia and other brain disorders

    Dementia progressively damages the brain, including areas involved in sensory processing. People with mid-to-late stage dementia may experience auditory and visual hallucinations.

    Occasionally they see dead people. In other cases, their hallucinations can be terrifying and can trigger feelings of paranoia and panic that prevent them from trusting caregivers.

    Medications can help relieve these symptoms.

    Epilepsy

    Sometimes hallucinations are a symptom of a seizure disorder. A person may experience hallucinations during or after a seizure which can be avoided by treating the seizures in most cases.

    Migraines

    Some people with migraines have hallucinations during or just before a migraine. These hallucinations are frequently visual. A person may see spots and colors that are not there, or other unusual images.

    Sleeping troubles

    Some people have hallucinations that doctors associate with  sleep disturbances. Hallucinations usually appear when a person falls asleep or wakes up.

    In some cases, the hallucination occurs with an episode of sleep paralysis, which occurs when a person wakes up and is temporarily unable to move.

    Treating sleep disorders can help relieve symptoms. In some cases, knowing that the hallucinations occur because of brain changes during the sleep cycle can make them less scary.

    Sensory disorders

    People who are hard of hearing or visually impaired can experience hallucinations. This may be due to brain changes in the regions responsible for processing sensory, visual or auditory information.

    Other causes

    In some cases, hallucinations may not be related to disease or medication. For example, in some religious traditions, a person may report an auditory hallucination. A person sleeping in a house they believe is haunted may hear noises or see ghostly figures due to increased anxiety.

    Hallucinations are not delusions

    A hallucination is not a delusion, although the two are closely related. A delusion is a false belief, while a hallucination is a false perception.

    Many people may have fallen in love with optical illusions and other mental tricks. However, a hallucination is more than an error of perception.

    People with hallucinations see or hear things that aren’t actually there and don’t match the experiences of others around them.

    They may also believe in the reality of their hallucinations or attach specific meaning and false beliefs to them. These attached false beliefs are illusions.

    Other symptoms associated with hallucinations

    Hallucinations often signal an underlying problem with how the brain processes information, such as when someone with dementia develops hallucinations or depression triggers psychosis.

    Some other symptoms accompanying hallucinations include:

    • changes in brain function as a person ages
    • unusual beliefs
    • depression or anxiety
    • visual or hearing problems
    • paranoid or aggressive behavior
    • a belief in the existence of a conspiracy
    • an epileptic seizure
    • headaches

  9. Fibromyalgia

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    Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes chronic pain, fatigue and other symptoms throughout the body. It’s estimated to affect up to 10 million Americans, but many don’t realize they have it because its symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions. This article explores its types, diagnosis, treatments and more.

    What is Fibromyalgia?

    Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and fatigue. It is often associated with mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, sleep disturbances and digestive problems.

    Symptoms may vary in intensity throughout the day but are generally aggravated by physical activity or stress. Diagnosis typically involves an extensive medical examination as well as ruling out other medical conditions that have similar symptoms.

    Types of Fibromyalgia

    This condition can be classified into three categories: localized, systemic, and mixed. Localized fibromyalgia typically affects a specific area such as the neck or back. Systemic fibromyalgia involves pain throughout the body. Mixed forms of the disorder occur when both localized and systemic symptoms are present.

    Additionally, some individuals may experience more severity in certain areas than others, leading to regional differences in pain levels.

    Common Symptoms

    Fibromyalgia is often associated with pain, but this disorder is associated with several other symptoms as well.

    These common symptoms include chronic fatigue, difficulty sleeping, cognitive impairment, headaches and nausea, depression and anxiety, painful trigger points on the body, joint stiffness, tingling or numbness in hands or feet, abdominal pain and tenderness around the neck and shoulders.

    Treatment Options

    While there is no cure for this condition, there are many treatments that can help to manage the condition. Talk therapy, physical therapy, and medication are common options for treating the disorder. Many patients find relief with a combination of lifestyle changes such as stress management and exercise, relaxation techniques, and dietary modifications.

    Medications used to treat fibromyalgia include painkillers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants to reduce nerve-related pain, muscle relaxants and topical creams for tender points.

    Managing the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

    A balanced approach to symptom management is the best way to deal with fibromyalgia. This includes proper sleep habits, regular physical activity, relaxation techniques, and dietary modification.

    Pain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help control pain and stiffness.

    Muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants can also be helpful in relieving symptoms. In some cases, specific therapies like acupuncture or chiropractic treatments can provide relief from mild muscle spasms or joint stiffness caused by fibromyalgia.

  10. Thérapie par la danse et le mouvement

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    La thérapie par la danse et le mouvement est une forme de psychothérapie qui utilise la danse et le mouvement pour améliorer la santé mentale et physique. Il est fondé sur l’idée que l’esprit et le corps sont interdépendants, donc quand l’un est affecté, l’autre le sera aussi. 

    Grâce à cette thérapie, les personnes peuvent améliorer leur bien-être en développant leur force, leur coordination, leur équilibre, leur flexibilité, leur expression personnelle et leurs aptitudes sociales.

    Afin d’améliorer son bien-être général, la thérapie par la danse et le mouvement peut être une forme expressive de thérapie qui encourage la santé physique et mentale.

    Les gens peuvent utiliser des mouvements de danse pour exprimer leurs sentiments et leurs émotions afin de faciliter l’expression de soi, la créativité et la connexion avec leur moi intérieur grâce à des séances avec un professionnel qualifié.

    Comment ça marche?

    Il semble que la danse-thérapie favorise la santé en unifiant et en coordonnant tous les aspects d’une personne, tels que :

    En danse, la communication non verbale est aussi importante que la communication verbale.

    En plus de servir de moyen de communication, le mouvement peut également être expressif, fonctionnel ou développemental.

    L’évaluation et l’intervention peuvent toutes deux être accomplies par le mouvement.

    Effets bénéfiques possibles de la thérapie par la danse et le mouvement

    Les recherches sur les bienfaits physiques, mentaux et émotionnels de la danse-thérapie ne sont pas concluantes. Bien que d’autres études soient nécessaires, certaines preuves suggèrent que cela pourrait être bénéfique dans les domaines suivants :

    Santé mentale

    Les résultats d’une méta-analyse de 2019 portant sur 41 essais cliniques et impliquant 2 374 participants ont indiqué que la danse-thérapie améliore :

    Il est également possible que ces avantages soient à long terme, notamment l’anxiété, la dépression, la qualité de vie et les capacités cognitives.

    Une dépression

    Contrairement à la méta-analyse ci-dessus, une revue de 2019 a évalué huit essais cliniques qui ont examiné les effets de la thérapie par la danse et le mouvement sur 351 adultes aux prises avec la dépression.

    Les auteurs ont qualifié les preuves de qualité modérée à élevée et ont conclu que l’intervention pourrait offrir un traitement efficace pour les adultes souffrant de dépression. Comme la plupart des études incluses excluaient les enfants, les adolescents et les personnes âgées, elles n’ont pas pu évaluer son efficacité pour ces populations.

    Prévenir les chutes

    En améliorant la démarche, l’équilibre et la force musculaire, les auteurs d’une revue de 2017 ont examiné si la danse, une activité populaire chez les personnes âgées, peut aider à prévenir les chutes. Les chutes étant l’une des principales causes de maladie et de décès, les auteurs ont passé en revue 10 essais cliniques qui ont exploré la possibilité que la danse prévienne les chutes. Le nombre total de participants était de 680.

    Les auteurs notent que la danse semble être sans danger et démontre des avantages pour le bien-être des personnes âgées, malgré la nature préliminaire de leurs résultats et le manque de données à long terme.

    la maladie de Parkinson

    Une revue de 2018 a examiné 40 études et cinq revues portant sur les effets de la danse et de la musique sur les symptômes de la maladie de Parkinson, qui altère la démarche, ce qui peut augmenter le risque de chutes. Les résultats ont indiqué que les interventions pourraient améliorer la marche.

    Soins aux patients atteints de cancer

    En plus d’affecter la santé physique, le cancer affecte souvent les émotions et la socialisation. Afin de résoudre ces problèmes, les soins actuels contre le cancer incluent de plus en plus des interventions psychosociales. Une étude de 2015 a examiné trois essais cliniques impliquant 207 personnes atteintes d’un cancer du sein afin d’examiner les avantages de la thérapie par la danse et le mouvement contre le cancer.

    Dans l’analyse des données, des résultats mitigés ont été trouvés, mais l’intervention pourrait aider en :

    Cependant, il n’a trouvé aucune preuve que la danse-thérapie puisse réduire la somatisation, qui est la présentation de multiples symptômes physiques causés par des facteurs psychologiques.

    Une revue de 2021 a révélé que la danse-thérapie pouvait améliorer la qualité de vie des personnes atteintes d’un cancer du sein, mais a noté que cette thérapie pourrait être plus efficace lorsqu’elle est associée à d’autres thérapies.

    Pression artérielle

    En 2020, une méta-analyse de cinq essais cliniques a examiné les effets de la danse-thérapie sur la tension artérielle. Malgré le petit nombre d’essais, les résultats ont indiqué que l’intervention pouvait réduire de manière significative la pression artérielle systolique et diastolique.

    Une lecture de la pression artérielle systolique indique la pression sur les parois artérielles pendant les battements de cœur, tandis qu’une lecture diastolique indique la pression entre les battements de cœur.

    Selon les résultats, les Africains semblent bénéficier davantage de la danse-thérapie que ceux d’Europe ou d’Amérique.

    Maladie cardiaque chronique

    Les personnes souffrant d’insuffisance cardiaque chronique ou en cours ont été comparées à un traitement conventionnel dans une étude plus ancienne de 2014. Il a évalué deux enquêtes impliquant 62 participants à la danse-thérapie, 60 participants à l’exercice et 61 participants témoins.

    Une comparaison de la danse-thérapie avec l’exercice et l’absence d’exercice a révélé que la danse-thérapie augmentait la capacité d’exercice et la qualité de vie. 

    Selon les auteurs, la thérapie par la danse et le mouvement ne différait pas significativement des groupes d’exercices conventionnels en termes de résultats. Par conséquent, elle devrait être incluse dans les programmes de réadaptation cardiaque.