Thursday, November 9, 2023

Dr. Curtis Cripe: Surprising Ways to Keep the Brain Young

 

Dr. Curtis Cripe: How to Keep Your Brain Young



We exercise to keep our bodies young and healthy, right? But how about our brains? Though our brains are always active—even when asleep—Dr. Curtis Cripe emphasizes that the quality of brain activity is where the focus should be if we want to keep our brains young and healthy. And luckily, keeping our brains sharp doesn't require bizarre techniques. Here are three activities Dr. Curtis Cripe recommends for keeping your brain young.

Read Fiction


Generally, reading is a great way to think creatively and expand our minds. But we can reap even more amazing benefits if we pay attention to how we're reading. Dr. Curtis Cripe says that rather than just halfheartedly reading a few pages before you go to sleep because you heard it can be good for you, embrace the escape—let your mind wander into a different world. It generates blood flow in the brain and activates a balance of frequencies that can stimulate healthy neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the capacity of neurons in the brain to change their connections in response to new information, sensory stimulation, development, damage, or dysfunction. If you want to keep your brain young, you need to drive neuroplasticity in a healthy direction.

Image source: images.pexels.com


Play Ping Pong

Dr. Curtis Cripe notes that a challenging puzzle stimulates gamma activity in the brain. It is excellent for creativity and keeping the brain young. And it turns out it's not just puzzles that can stimulate the brain. The American Academy of Neurology found that people with Parkinson's who played ping pong once a week for six months showed improvement in their symptoms. Some studies have shown that ping pong can help sharpen reflexes, improve hand-eye coordination, and stimulate the brain.



Walk and Daydream


Dr. Curtis Cripe says that allowing your body and mind to wander every day will engage the 200 different sections of the brain in a stimulating and creative way. There's no need for a specific train of thought, and the point is to let your mind wander.

Learn more about NTL Group's research and development head Dr. Curtis Cripe and the work he does by clicking this link.

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Dr. Curtis Cripe on Neuroplasticity: How Does It Work?

 

Dr. Curtis Cripe: Your Brain's Ability to Heal from Damage

According to Dr. Curtis Cripe, NTL Group's director of research and development, recovery from a neurological injury (such as a stroke) should have a holistic approach that includes natural remedies and rehabilitative therapies. In doing so, the brain's natural ability to heal from damage can be harnessed.

To help you on the road to recovery, Dr. Curtis Cripe explains how the brain naturally recovers from brain damage.

Image source: istockphoto.com

Recovery from brain damage is a long road, but it's a road that the brain can handle naturally, thanks to neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is a concept for recovery from any injury that impacts the central nervous system. It is a process that allows the brain to improve its efficiency continuously, says Dr. Curtis Cripe. It involves strengthening neural connections in response to the physical activities that you frequently do. It is where the well-known saying "practice makes perfect" comes from.

When brain damage occurs from a traumatic brain injury or stroke, the damaged area cannot be recovered. However, neuroplasticity enables unaffected areas of the brain to acquire new functions.

For instance, if a brain sustains damage in the motor cortex (the area of the brain that generates signals to direct movement), the individual may struggle with leg or arm function. Although most damaged brain cells cannot be recovered, some areas of the brain can replace them and substitute for the loss of motion, notes Dr. Curtis Cripe.

Image source: istockphoto.com


One of the best ways to encourage the brain to naturally recover from brain damage is to achieve "massed practice." In this case, it would involve rehab exercises for the affected body parts (i.e., physical therapy). It turns on neuroplasticity and allows the brain to rewire itself. Learn more about NTL Group's research and development head Dr. Curtis Cripe and the work he does by clicking this link.

Thursday, September 7, 2023

Dr. Curtis Cripe Discusses Telemedicine and Its Benefits

 

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Dr. Curtis Cripe: The Advantages of Telemedicine.

Dr. Curtis Cripe and the NTL Group believe that medicine and technology are two sides of the same coin. Over the past decade, medical technologies have advanced at an astonishing rate, changing how we approach healthcare. With the help of these technologies, doctors and medical professionals can provide more accurate diagnoses and better treatments and improve overall patient outcomes. 


Dr. Curtis Cripe has been at the forefront of this technological revolution, and he's been writing about it for years to give people a clearer understanding of what these technologies mean for the future of medicine. From artificial intelligence to virtual reality, the potential applications of these technologies are limitless, and it's exciting to see where they'll take us in the coming years.


Today, Dr. Curtis Cripe looks back at and reviews one of the biggest technological developments in research and healthcare – telemedicine.

 

Telemedicine was conceptualized over half a century ago. It has now become a reality. It provides a way to treat patients in far-flung areas with minimal healthcare or medical professionals access. Advancements and technological breakthroughs have helped telemedicine evolve, where people can virtually see doctors and vice-versa. Doctors can see patients from just about anywhere in the world – as long as there's an internet connection.

 

According to Dr. Curtis Cripe, telemedicine has not only allowed access from doctors to patients, but in recent years, drones have been able to send medication to places that motor vehicles would otherwise not reach. These drones play a significant role, especially during emergencies with volatile circumstances. They keep medical workers safe while ensuring quick treatment.


forbes.com

Speaking of emergencies, Dr. Curtis Cripe also mentions that telemedicine has drastically cut the time patients with urgent medical conditions receive anything they need, from medicine to consultations.

 

On a final note, amazingly, but not surprisingly, telemedicine has impacted industries other than healthcare. Dr. Curtis Cripe says that sports are the perfect example of this, as physicians get to almost immediately address injuries when athletes get into accidents while training or competing.

 

 Dr. Curtis Cripe has a diverse multidisciplinary professional and academic background behind him, having worked in aerospace, engineering, software development, bioengineering, addiction recovery, psychophysiology, psychology, and child neurodevelopment. Check out this blog for more insights on neurology and related fields.


Monday, August 14, 2023

Dr. Curtis Cripe Reviews the Prosopagnosia Disorder

Dr. Curtis Cripe: Important Facts on Prosopanosia

Image source: Pexels.com

Dr. Curtis Cripe is a brain injury and child neurodevelopment expert who leads the research and development team of NTL Group. Part of the team's tasks is the study of rare neurological disorders such as prosopagnosia or face blindness. Today, Dr. Curtis Cripe discusses this disorder.

Prosopagnosia prevents a person from recognizing faces, even familiar ones. According to reports, 1 out of 50 people in the UK suffer from developmental prosopagnosia. While many people fail to recognize that they have this condition, there is more to prosopagnosia than just being unable to recognize someone's face.

There are two types of prosopagnosia. These are developmental and acquired.

Developmental prosopagnosia occurs without brain injury. It may be genetic, with the person recognizing the signs later. Some children with this condition develop coping strategies to recognize the people around them. Others even grow up without knowing that there is a name for their face blindness, Dr. Curtis Cripe explains.

Image source: sciencefriday.com

Acquired prosopagnosia, on the other hand, is when a person develops the condition after brain damage due to a stroke or a head injury. In this case, a person discerns that their mind cannot identify people like they used to.

Neurodevelopment experts have yet to find a cure for prosopagnosia. Many studies are trying to find the cause of this condition and what can be done to help patients improve facial recognition.

Those living with prosopagnosia can work with neuropsychologists and neurodevelopment experts to help them find ways to develop recognition strategies that will help them socialize. There are also resources and support groups that can help patients and their families understand their condition better, adds Dr. Curtis Cripe.

Dr. Curtis Cripe is a neuroengineer with a diverse multidisciplinary background, including software development, bioengineering, addiction recovery, psychophysiology, brain injury, and more. Visit this blog to read similar articles.

Monday, July 10, 2023

Dr. Curtis Cripe: How to Enhance Memory Capabilities

Dr. Curtis Cripe on How to Make Your Memory Stronger

Image source: Pexels.com



Our memory tends to weaken as we age, and often forget important information. However, stating that it happens just because of age is invalid. Fatigue and other cognitive problems might also contribute to forgetfulness. Neuro engineer Dr. Curtis Cripe of NTL Group comes to the rescue with effective ways of improving our memory capacity. He strives to explore innovative aspects of brain development and shares his expertise on strengthening memory. So, if you forget to remember the important stuff, take notes, as this is an informative and engaging read you won't want to miss.

First, you have to get enough sleep. When a person is sleep-deprived, brain function slows down, causing lapses in judgment and an inability to focus on tasks. A good night's rest is scientifically proven to ensure better brain function.

It is also not just enough for a person to sleep for six to eight hours. The quality of sleep also matters. During this time, the brain consolidates memories while the rest of the body recovers.

Second, your diet should be rich in Omega 3 fatty acids.

Image source: Pexels.com


Omega 3 fatty acids have long been known for their ability to promote a healthy heart, but recent research has shown that this powerful nutrient can also play a crucial role in developing a better brain. Our cognitive abilities can decline as we age, leaving us struggling with information processing and memory retention. However, by incorporating Omega 3s into our diets through supplements and foods, we can give our brains the boost they need to stave off these effects of aging. Whether you're an older adult looking to retain your mental acuity or a younger person looking to boost your brain, Omega 3 fatty acids are a powerful tool in the fight for better brain function.

Finally, Dr. Curtis Cripe suggests you get into regular daily exercise routines.

Neuroscientists like Dr. Curtis Cripe have seen a link between exercise and memory retention. Those at risk of developing neurological disorders and cognitive problems are advised to engage in regular aerobic exercise to stimulate their minds. Regardless of age, medical professionals and neuroscientists encourage individuals to have an active lifestyle for better health.

Dr. Curtis Cripe played an important role in developing the treatment programs used by NTL Group, which specializes in the treatment of learning disabilities. For more information about Dr. Cripe and his work, visit this page.

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Dr. Curtis Cripe: How is Reality Constructed?

Dr. Curtis Cripe Explains the Perceptual Process



Image source: researchgate.net

Seeing a plant and recognizing it compared to other objects may seem simple, but it is a complex phenomenon that continues to fascinate scientists. Some experts in neuroscience believe that the brain is responsible for constructing our reality and that what we perceive as real is a type of "hallucination." However, according to Dr. Curtis Cripe, this hallucination is accurate thanks to input from our senses, particularly sight, and hearing. In other words, our brains can take in information from the environment around us and create a coherent image of our world. It's truly a remarkable feat that we often take for granted.

Perception begins with a distal stimulus – a physical object in the environment, for example, an orange. The sensory receptors receive information about the orange via different types of environmental energy, representing the distal stimulus. The nervous system transforms environmental and physical energy into electrical energy. For example, receptors in the retina transform the light from the object into electrical signals. These signals are then transmitted from one neuron to another and are processed, notes Dr. Curtis Cripe of NTL Group.

Image source: i.ytimg.com


From this, perception occurs. A split second after perception, recognition takes place. Finally, we place the perceived object in a category. For example, we perceived an orange, which is a fruit. The way we process incoming sensory information is called "bottom-up processing." In addition, our existing memories, knowledge, and assumptions can influence perception and recognition. Neuroscientists call this "top-down processing."


Our perception shapes our entire reality. Dr. Curtis Cripe explains that our brain constantly searches for the best interpretation of the stimuli. We use our past experiences to construct what we believe we see or hear. Our brain creates an accurate model of our environment, refined by sight and hearing. In other words, what we perceive as reality is how our brain interprets the world. Everything we experience is shaped by our perception, which is why it's so important that we understand how it works. By utilizing our past experiences, we can construct a cohesive understanding of the world around us. Whether looking at an object or hearing a sound, our perception plays a crucial role in shaping our reality.

Dr. Curtis Cripe serves as the director of NTL Group's research and development division. For more information, click on this link.

Dr. Curtis Cripe: How Food Sensitivities Impact Cognitive Function

The hidden effects of food allergies

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Food allergies are becoming more common. Within the United States, 10% of the population identifies with some type of food allergy including eggs, peanuts, dairy, or wheat.

In some cases, the symptoms of food allergies can be severe and life-threatening, while other people suffer mild symptoms like itching or swelling. According to Dr. Curtis Cripe, the effects of food allergies can also be hidden. It’s what experts call asymptomatic food sensitivities. You even be eating foods that are good for the brain like eggs or nuts without realizing that you have a sensitivity to those foods which are triggering your body’s natural immune response.

Child Development In addition to the physical symptoms of food allergies, the presence of these sensitivities present difficulties in the social and emotional development of children. Some of the more obvious concerns involve the stress it places on children when they have had severe allergic reactions and must avoid those dangerous foods. It can put a strain on social relationship as the children aren’t able to participate in some activities, such as trick-or-treating, or may experience bullying in regards to their food allergies.

Cognitive Symptoms Dr. Curtis Cripe is also concerned about the hidden effects food allergens can have on the brain. He pointed to a recent study involving the long-term consumption of allergens, which found that eating the identified foods led to brain inflammation and neuronal damage, even when there were no outward signs of an allergic response.

These are important findings when we consider the approved treatment of allergens in which patients are given small doses of the allergen to develop a tolerance. While this may reduce severe reactions, it appears that the brain continues to be impacted.

Image Credit: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

Even without physical symptoms of food allergies, these sensitivities can lead to emotional and behavioral problems such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder. From a cognitive perspective, food allergies can motor and learning deficits.

Treatment Dr. Curtis Cripe pointed out that when a person with food sensitivities eats those foods, it triggers an immune response. One of the common symptoms is brain fog, or that fuzzy feeling when you can’t quite think clearly. If this state of irritation to the brain persists over time, the brain establishes a new “set point” a this lower level of functioning.

Under the supervision of a physician or naturopath, patients may use a strict elimination diet to identify the problem foods. For more hidden sensitivities that are affecting the brain, the patient may need blood tests.

In addition to dietary adjustments, Dr. Curtis Cripe recommends targeted exercises to strengthen and optimize brain function as the body heals. With the NeuroCodex evaluation, Dr. Curtis Cripe is able to monitor when the brain has returned to its peak performance.

Dr. Curtis Cripe is the head of research and development at the NTL Group. He specializes in developing brain-based technologies for healing and repairing neurological dysfunctions. More on Dr. Cripe here.