More data released emphasizing the risks of smoking during pregnancy. Biological Psychiatry just this week released data that highlights the impact of smoking during pregnancy. Specifically, there is a connection between an unborn baby being exposed to smoking and ADHD symptoms in genetically susceptible children. The study investigated male and female twin pairs, aged 7–19 years and determined that: “When genetic factors are combined with prenatal cigarette smoke exposure, the ADHD risk rises very significantly”.

We have substantial research indicating that children with ADHD are at increased risk for substance abuse. Therefore, smoking during pregnancy actually perpetuates the difficulties associated with ADHD across generations.

Is there really more to say about Omega 3 fatty acids? Yes! According to Dr. Alex Richardson, a research fellow at Oxford University’s Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics. “Our brain is built, maintained, and repaired by what we eat” says Richardson. It is clear that nutrients do affect brain development, and in particular the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA play an important role in brain cell health. Omega-3’s have shown benefits in improving symptoms of ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and developmental coordination disorder. Still not convinced you need these essential fats? A 2005 study of 117 children ages 5-12 showed signficiant improvements in reading, spelling and ADHD symptoms after only a few months of omega-3’s. Smart tip: add a tsp of liquid fish oil to your protein shake in the morning to improve mood, learning, and behavior!http://thestar.com.my/health/story.aspfile=/2007/5/10/health/17640080&sec=health

Laughter is contagious. Research published in the Journal of Neuroscience last December has shown that positive sounds such as laughter triggers a response in the listener’s brain. This response occurs in the area of the brain that is activated when we smile, as though preparing our facial muscles to laugh. The research team played a series sounds to volunteers as they measured their brain’s response using an fMRI scanner. Sounds were positive, such as laughter or triumph, whilst others were unpleasant, such as screaming or retching. All of the sounds triggered a response in the volunteer’s brain in the pre-motor cortical region, which prepares the muscles in the face to respond accordingly, though the response was greater for positive sounds, suggesting that these were more contagious than negative sounds. The researchers believe this explains why we respond to laughter or cheering with an involuntary smile.

As most parents know, their children’s bedtime problems are a parent’s bedtime problem! However, recent research found in the current issue of the journal of Pediatrics gives us more information on the impact of parents and mothers in particular. This study had more than 10,000 families participating and results clearly indicate that both parent’s emotional well-being and physical health are significantly impacted by their child’s lack of sleep. Overall, mothers appeared to be particularly affected, the study found. Whereas only infant sleep problems were linked to poorer health among fathers, sleep difficulties at any age seemed to affect mothers’ physical and psychological well-being. 

Did you know that ADD is almost as heritable as height? Join us and the Rehman family (Kelly, Ben, and Ali) in our Channel 5 Evening News interview on Adult ADD. ADD affects so many families and the genetics are strong. If your child has ADD, the chance of you (a parent) having the condition is 31 – 40%. If you the parent have ADD, your child’s risk for having ADD is over 50%. And if one child in your family has ADD, the risk for their sibling having ADD is 20 – 25%. It’s not surprising there is significant impact on families! In response, we are proud that the community is taking such an interest in our integrated model for diagnosing and treating ADHD for both children and adults. We commonly work with several members in a household to support their needs around counseling, testing, coaching, medication management, academic supports, parent skills training, and nutrition. Here is the Rehman family to share their experience with you.

Learning to play an instrument is a lot like learning a foreign language; the earlier you begin studying the easier it is to learn. However, as challenging as it may be, learning to play an instrument is a wonderful opportunity as we age to address the “use it or lose it” principle. Reseach has clearly indicated that new learning is good for our brain, it can delay the onset of dementia in some case and contribute to over all well-being.

Here are a few of the details from a recent study out of Northwestern University published in April’s Natural Neuroscience. (more…)