You know just how important it is to get quality sleep for your overall health and the wellbeing of your brain (and you’ve likely heard us mention this at least a few times!). But were you also aware that it’s equally important, especially for individuals with cognitive issues, to have adequate oxygenation levels while you sleep? 

When patients present with symptoms that appear to reflect a certain disorder, we must be careful to consider the whole picture and not eliminate possible diagnoses based solely on A single criteria such as the patient’s age. ​

Recent findings from a soon-to-be-published study point to the use of IVIG in the treatment of our patients suffering with Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). This open-label pilot study cited a statistically significant decrease in related symptoms after six infusions of IVIG (Octagam 5%). ​

The public health issue of obesity continues to be a focus of concern relative to numerous conditions including neurological disorders. As we’ve previously discussed, many studies have highlighted links between obesity and an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis, but also to poorer outcomes in treatment. ​

​Do you have a “mantra,” whether in relation to its use in a spiritual sense or as something that provides you with motivational self-talk in certain circumstances? Some good news to know - adopting a regular mantra can actually have a positive, calming effect on your brain too!
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Our uncertain times mean most of us are challenged like never before. It’s impossible to turn on the television, read a newspaper or look at social media without being bombarded by so many different things and so much information that it’s just truly overwhelming. ​

We know that food often plays a significant role in PANS and PANDAS – whether patients experience allergies or difficulties with digestion or develop anorexia and refusal to eat, it’s extremely challenging to maintain proper nutrition for optimal health support. 

Diagnoses that even the most knowledgeable professional might miss, PANS and PANDAS have only recently come into the spotlight thanks to the combined advocacy of so many patients, parents and community support organizations alike.  

Have you ever thought about how all the people in your family tree, even if you never had the opportunity to meet them, have influenced your own life? Well, research has shown a variety of biological factors affect just how genes are expressed and can indeed be passed down through multiple generations. 

Along with my daughters, Katie and Sarah, and through our work with Hope for HumaNS from 2012 to 2017, we came to personally know the very poorest of the poor in Uganda and learn firsthand about their struggles on so many levels. In addition to enduring the impacts of extreme poverty and lack of resources, so many of the villagers suffered as well with Nodding Syndrome (NS), a debilitating and still-mysterious neurological illness.

I recently received a letter from Jovia, whom we met when she was just five years old and have continued to support her from afar as much as we can, both financially and with boundless love and admiration for her spirit and her courage. ​

With much discussion about the COVID pandemic, vitamin D has found its way into the conversation. And rightly so, given the recent research pointing to its value in numerous instances including rates of intensive care unit admissions.1But it shouldn’t require this type of global event to make us take note of all the existing information we had about just how important this vitamin is to our health - and the fact most of us are extremely lacking in it. 

 
While we’ve written before about the need to ensure optimal levels of vitamin D for both immune and brain health, recent news regarding its potential use in viral protection prompts revisiting this important information.

It wasn’t all that long ago that at least in popular media, and likely not in everyday conversation, that the term “microbiome” came up all that often. Now, in the wake of extensive research, we know far more about just how important the gut microbiome in particular is to our general wellbeing AND to brain health as well.