Finally, a benefit to having a larger head size - if you get Alzheimer's

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ST. PAUL, Minn. – New research shows that people with Alzheimer’s disease who have large heads have better memory and thinking skills than those with the disease who have smaller heads, even when they have the same amount of brain cell death due to the disease. The research is published in the July 13, 2010, issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

“These results add weight to the theory of brain reserve, or the individual capacity to withstand changes in the brain,” said study author Robert Perneczky, MD, of the Technical University of Munich in Germany. “Our findings also underline the importance of optimal brain development early in life, since the brain reaches 93 percent of its final size at age six.”

Head size is one way to measure brain reserve and brain growth. Perneczky said that while brain growth is determined in part by genetics, it is also influenced by nutrition, infections and inflammations of the central nervous system, and brain injuries.

“Improving prenatal and early life conditions could significantly increase brain reserve, which could have an impact on the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or the severity of symptoms of the disease,” he said.

For the study, 270 people with Alzheimer’s disease took tests of their memory and cognitive skills and had MRI scans of their brains to measure the amount of brain cell death. Head size was determined by the circumference measurement.

The study showed that larger head size was associated with a greater performance on memory and thinking tests, even when there was an equivalent degree of brain cell death. Specifically, for every one percent of brain cell death, an additional centimeter of head size was associated with a six percent greater performance on the memory tests.

The study was supported by the National Institute on Aging.

 

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 22,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit http://www.aan.com.

 

Marijuana key to California's bankrupt economy?

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There's been a lot of news lately about legalizing marijuana again, and how that will help bring in the money we are lacking.  Several years ago who would have guessed that the 7th largest economy in the world would have to resort to this?  It certainly reminds me about the prohibition days we all studied about in high school.

Calfornia is split on the decision according to these poll results.

Does anybody else think the ethnic breakdown of the results surprising?

The Art of (micro-)Stock Photography

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There is an interesting article posted by Pocket-Lint with some details into the current leader in micro-stock photography companies (iStockphoto) you might want to read.

I fall in the category of 'just messing around' if you look at my portfolio on iStock.  I have uploaded a total of 6 files since... well since they first started.  Those six files have only netted me $63 over the years, so figure a regular photograph that is well lit, composed, sharp and relevant equals about $10 USD.

 

View My Portfolio 

Say you want that new 'L' series Canon lens for $1500 - expect to upload 150 photographs to sell on iStockphoto.

I've recently started uploading to iStockphoto competitor Dreamstime.  They simply pay more royalties.  Over the same period of time that I've made $50 on iStockphoto, Dreamstime gave me nearly double for the same 6 photographs.

I've since uploaded a lot more, but mostly editorial pictures and just cashed a check just over $100 for the sales of those pictures.  ($100 is the minimum check payout).

Bicycling Everywhere - 1st Month

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I have been bicycling everywhere for a month now.  It brings me back to my college days when I didn't have a car and had to rely on my bicycle and my legs to get from point A to point B and back again.  Let me define everywhere:

Starbucks, grocery shopping, Costco, bank, library, errands, shopping, parks, parades, etc  Nothing off road as my mountain bike is currently out of commission - I need a new one.  All my rides have been less than 15 miles round trip through various road ways, highways, sidewalks, and very light trails designed to circumvent heavy traffic around town.

Pros vs Cons so far:

Pros:

  • Easier to fulfill some of my exercise needs without having to set aside a specific time for it.
  • Allows me to smell the roses and discover places / things I would never have noticed before.
  • Better for environment and traffic - overall public good. I actually get a wave and smile from people in cars.
  • During heavy traffic, I get to places faster than by car.  In metro areas this benefit is magnified.
  • No $3+ per gallon fill up or waiting at the gas station to fill up.
  • I can go places cars can't.
  • No parking fees.
  • Access to the best parking spots, right in front of the location.
  • If something breaks, I can most likely fix it myself vs. car problems.
  • If needed, I can take my bike with me on public transportation to go further or get home.
  • Almost always beats traveling by foot only.  I can jump off bike and instantly become a pedestrian.


Cons:

  • Limited range - particularly hilly areas.
  • Any accident with a automobile or truck can be fatal.
  • Carrying capacity is limited by what I can carry on my back.  (More equipment needed).
  • Limited speed and roadway restrictions - some places really were only designed to be travelled to by car.
  • Possibly sucking up more pollutants on the road in heavy traffic.

 

 

Some upgrades and accessories I'm looking to get:

Some sort of rack / pack to mount on bike so I can get all the weight off my back.
More powerful lights when lights are out.
Pedal upgrade for more efficient power transfer.
Adjustable stem.
Seat upgrade.
Seat suspension. 
Bicycle repair kit to carry for longer rides.
Better lock.