Canadians living with diabetes can now access a new resource to help better manage their disease
LAVAL, QC, May 16, 2018 /CNW/ - Sanofi and Sun Life Financial are pleased to announce a new program that provides Canadians living with diabetes access to health information related to the use of Sanofi's Toujeo insulin pen. This new digital initiative provides select Sun Life clients with tailored information and relevant educational tips for using their insulin injection pen. The program launched in March 2018.
A Tailored Approach Putting the Patient First
Canadians living with diabetes require varying levels of education, access to resources, and support depending on their personal situation or the stage of their diabetes. This is why a tailored approach can be the best way for a person to obtain the information, support and tools needed to optimally manage their disease.
"In a digitally driven world, innovation closely connects to client satisfaction," said Chris Denys, Senior Vice-President of Possibilities, Sun Life Financial Canada. "We have been on a digital innovation journey for several years and as we continue to find new ways to deliver on our Purpose of helping our clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives, we are committed to the fight against diabetes. Every year, we see the growing health impact of diabetes, with one in three Canadians affected by diabetes or prediabetes1 and 422 million persons believed to have diabetes around the world2."
"Sanofi Canada's 100 year history began with the development of large-scale insulin production methods under Connaught Labs, now known as Sanofi Pasteur, and we are proud of our ongoing commitment to finding new and better solutions to helping those living with diabetes," claimed Niven Al-Khoury, President, Sanofi Canada. "We are excited to team up with Sun Life Financial in the important mission to provide education and raise greater awareness about this disease, with the goal of one day getting diabetes under control for all Canadians."
About Raise Your Hand for Diabetes
Raise Your Hand for Diabetes is a community-based initiative led by Sanofi in collaboration with Diabetes Canada and Diabetes Quebec, that leverages patient and caregiver stories to create a community in which people living with diabetes play a direct role in dispelling the myths and stigma surrounding the disease. By visiting the web site www.raiseyourhandfordiabetes.ca, Canadians can upload a video, picture or quote about what matters most on their personal diabetes journey. Raise Your Hand for Diabetes also provides a wealth of resources on diabetes management, including topics like diet, physical exercise and treatment.
About Diabetes
Today, there are 11 million Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes. Every three minutes, another Canadian is diagnosed. Having high blood sugar can cause diabetes-related complications, like chronic kidney disease, foot problems, non-traumatic lower limb (leg, foot, toe, etc.) amputation, eye disease (retinopathy) that can lead to blindness, heart attack, stroke, anxiety, nerve damage, and erectile dysfunction (men). Diabetes-related complications can be very serious and even life-threatening. Properly managing blood sugar levels reduces the risk of developing these complications.1
About Sanofi
Sanofi is dedicated to supporting people through their health challenges. We are a global biopharmaceutical company focused on human health. We prevent illness with vaccines, provide innovative treatments to fight pain and ease suffering. We stand by the few who suffer from rare diseases and the millions with long-term chronic conditions.
With more than 100,000 people in 100 countries, Sanofi is transforming scientific innovation into healthcare solutions around the globe.
Sanofi entities in Canada employ close to 1,900 people. In 2016 we invested $130 million in R&D in Canada, creating jobs, business and opportunity throughout the country.
Follow us on Twitter @SanofiCanada and on YouTube.
Sanofi, Empowering Life
Beleave Approved to Provide Medical Cannabis to Patients with Qualified Insurance Coverage from Medavie Blue Cross
TORONTO, May 16, 2018 /CNW/ - Beleave Inc. (CSE: BE; OTCQX: BLEVF) ("Beleave" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary Beleave Kannabis Corp. has received its approval and provider number to service those who have qualified for cannabis coverage through Medavie Blue Cross including the Canadian veteran community. With over 1,000,000 card holders Medavie Blue Cross is one of Canada's leading Blue Cross plans and although each card holder's benefits may differ, cannabis coverage is available to patients approved by Blue Cross.
Medavie Blue Cross administers to various government sponsored health programs on behalf of the provincial and federal governments which include Veterans Affairs Canada, an important segment of Beleave's patient acquisition strategy.
"We aim to help provide ease of access to those with Blue Cross coverage allowing patients to cut a multitude of steps typically needed to make a claim," commented Beleave CEO Andrew Wnek. "Our team is ready to accept new patients and are confident in our ability to provide the highest quality service to all patients including our country's respected servicemen and women."
The Company's Medi Green Clinic network plans to host multiple location information sessions for veterans on an ongoing basis. These initiatives will be rolled out by the Company's growing Veteran Affairs and Community outreach division. To stay informed please join the company mailing list at www.beleave.com.
About Medavie Blue Cross
Medavie is a non-profit Canadian Medical care insurance company headquartered in Moncton, New Brunswick. The Company was named one of Canada's Top 100 Employers by Maclean's magazine and is the only non-profit medical insurance organization in Canada to receive this honour.
About Beleave
Beleave Inc. is a biotech company and Beleave's wholly-owned subsidiary Beleave Kannabis Corp. (formerly First Access Medical Inc.) is a licensed producer pursuant to the ACMPR. Beleave's purpose-built facility is located in Hamilton, Ontario.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law ("forward-looking statements"). The use of any of the words "plan", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur are intended to identify forward-looking information. These statements are only predictions. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking information addresses future events and conditions, by its very nature it involves inherent risks and uncertainties. This information speak only as of the date of this news release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company's disclosure documents, which can be found under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com.
SOURCE Beleave Inc.
4 Workout Regimens that Teach Your Body and Mind Discipline
Though most people think of exercise only in physical terms, working out can also be an excellent way to improve your mind. The right workout regimen can improve your mental focus while at the same time conditioning your body. Here are four of the top workouts you should try if you want to improve your mental and physical health at the same time.
Weightlifting
Weightlifting may not seem like a very cerebral activity, but maintaining maximum intensity through a heavy lifting workout requires consistent focus. Lackadaisically going through a weightlifting routine won’t get you the best workout. Instead, you’ll need to focus on every repetition and put in the maximum possible effort. Via this act of carefully concentrating on your workout, your mind will also gradually improve.
Yoga
Because of the focus and connection it requires between mind and body, yoga is an excellent exercise for the brain. Unlike many exercises, yoga is specifically intended to be good for the mind, as well as the body. Through a regular practice of yogic positions, you can condition your body, reduce your stress levels and improve your focus. If you want to take up yoga, consider looking for yoga classesin your local area, as you’ll need an experienced instructor.
Hiking
Though it doesn’t require any special levels of concentration, hiking is a good way to improve your mind. Being outdoors has been shown to have positive effects on both short-term memort and cognitive abilities, and is also an excellent way to relieve stress. Hiking is a great way to get out into nature for a few hours and get an excellent full-body workout in the process.
Martial Arts
Owing to the requirement of intense concentration at all times, practicing martial arts is one of the best ways to discipline your mind and teach yourself to be more focused. A regular practice of martial arts can tone and condition your entire body, since it involves using every muscle group. Studying the martial arts is also eminently practical, since it will teach you to defend yourself if you are ever threatened physically.
By following any of these exercise routines, you can improve your overall physical fitness while reaping considerable mental benefits. For variety, you can even choose to engage in multiple types of exercise throughout the week. By combining different forms of exercise, you can keep your routine fresh and interesting while also keeping yourself from reaching a fitness plateau.
Original gifts for Dad this Father’s Day
Because he’s not a regular dad, he’s a cool dad
Forget about asking dad what he wants this year, because chances are he’ll give you his standard “I don’t need anything” spiel. Lucky for you, we’ve scoured Etsy far and wide to find unique gifts for dad that he didn’t even know he wanted but is guaranteed to love. Scroll through to find our curated picks for every dad out there.
Shop New Dad Gifts (L to R): Custom Family Portrait by Art of Melodious, $280. You Are the Father Ribbon by Boldfaced, $6. Dad Bod Card by rhubarb paper co, $6. Hot Doggin’ Camp Mug by WKNDRS FOR LIFE, $25.
Whether he’s got one on the way or he’s still adjusting to the throes of parenthood, give him a little something to remind him why midnight diaper changes aren’t so bad after all. Commission him a custom personalized family portrait featuring the family’s newest addition – with over 34,000 personalized options on Etsy, you’re sure to find a style he’ll love. Make him laugh with a cheeky sentiment, and help keep the coffee flowing with an enamel mug that wandering little hands can’t break for a Father’s Day any new dad will appreciate.
Shop Foodie Dad Gifts (L to R): Cocktail Tonic Set by 34 oz tonic maison, $68. Ramen Chocolate Bar by Alicja Confections, $9. The Only One BBQ Sauce by Spice of Life TO, $9. Rarest of Them All Card by gotamago, $6.
Even if your dad’s culinary skills are more Chef Boyardee than Gordon Ramsay, we all know the way to his heart is through his stomach. For specialty sauces and out-there flavours that he certainly won’t find in the grocery store (hello, ramen chocolate bar!), look no further than Etsy for over 89,000 food and drink options. Whether your pops is a mixologist in the making, a grill master, or just appreciates an artisanal snack while watching Netflix, we’ve got you covered.
Shop Well-Groomed Dad Gifts (L to R): Shoes and Integrity Card by 417 Press, $6. Sandalwood + Witch Hazel Aftershave by ad floreo, $20. Leather Bowtie by Fitzy Design, $52. Personalized Leather Toiletry Kit by Divina Denuevo, $500.
From early morning hockey practices to school drop-offs, we’re guessing dad’s morning routine consists of a splash of water and not much else. Help dad carve out some morning me-time and streamline his grooming process with a custom luxe aftershave and a monogrammed toiletry kit fit for every day, business trips, and beyond. Bonus: skip the gift box and top it off with a handmade leather bowtie instead for a thoughtful, personalized gift the big guy deserves.
For more inspired and creative gift ideas, visit Etsy.com.
About Etsy:
Etsy, Inc. (Nasdaq: ETSY) is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. Our mission is to keep commerce human, and we're committed to using the power of business to strengthen communities and empower people. We connect millions of buyers and sellers from nearly every country in the world. Buyers come to Etsy to be inspired and delighted by items that are crafted and curated by creative entrepreneurs. For sellers, we offer a range of tools and services that address key business needs.
Etsy was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York.
Website: Etsy.com
Twitter: @EtsyCA
Facebook: EtsyCA
Instagram: @EtsyCA
Hashtag: #EtsyCA |
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Digital Care for Substance Use Disorder Now Available to Ontario Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers across Ontario can now incorporate digital support for substance use disorder into their programs affordably and efficiently.
TORONTO, May 15, 2018 /CNW/ - Wagon Health Solutions, in partnership with the Edgewood Health Network, is proud to announce that we have been qualified to Vendor of Record (VOR) status with the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) on behalf of itself and the following participants:
- Erie St. Clair LHIN
- South West LHIN
- Waterloo Wellington LHIN
- Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant LHIN
- Central West LHIN
- Mississauga Halton LHIN
- Toronto Central LHIN
- Central LHIN
- Central East LHIN
- South East LHIN
- Champlain LHIN
- North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN
- North East LHIN
- North West LHIN
- Health and community care providers within the above LHINs
- Canada Health Infoway
The VOR agreement and qualification supports the strategy of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term-Care to improve access and support to those suffering from mental health and substance use disorders. The VOR - which can be accessed through OTN's Innovation Centre at https://otn.ca/innovationcentre/substance-use-disorder/ - will enable healthcare providers to acquire and deploy virtual care solution more efficiently and cost effectively.
"What Wagon brings to the table as one of three newly qualified vendors on the VOR is the ability to provide support to help individuals with addiction challenges reduce or eliminate addiction behaviours and the associated risks," says Dr. Ed Brown, CEO, OTN. "This qualification supports OTN's commitment to integrate technology into models of care to increase access to services and engage people in managing their substance use disorder challenges."
Wagon was qualified by OTN for meeting the criteria for the following desired outcomes: patient experience, benefits to the system, improved access to care and improved function and quality of life. We are very proud to be a Vendor of Record, and look forward to working with the LHINs to support those with substance use disorders.
Rochelle Hildebrand, Co-Founder of Wagon says, "Wagon was developed for clinicians by clinicians. We are very proud of the product and have seen significant improvements in our patients and in relapse prevention. Our clinicians report a strengthened therapeutic alliance and an efficient approach to case management."
Wagon is Canada's first clinical care app for addiction that allows health care providers to monitor and connect with patients digitally. Patients have a personalized recovery plan, a daily inventory, coping strategies, journals and more. Clinicians monitor their progress and tailor their care to meet the needs of each patient. Patients can use Wagon remotely, for post-treatment support or in combination with an outpatient program. Early outcomes show that 86% of patients felt Wagon helped them follow a recovery plan and 73% would recommend Wagon to others who are struggling with a substance use disorder. For more information on Wagon and more outcomes, visit onthewagon.ca
SOURCE Wagon
Justice for Family Devastated by Asbestos
A well-deserved settlement brings justice and security to a Chicago family grieving after an asbestos-caused loss.
Chicago, IL (May 15, 2018) —
For the Nelson family, justice came in the form of a much-deserved settlement with numerous manufacturers of asbestos products. Roger Nelson, a United States Army veteran, was diagnosed with mesothelioma at 80-years-old, decades after a career in residential heating throughout Wisconsin and northern Chicago. Tragically, he passed away six months later, but his family continued the fight for justice.
Through his line of work, Nelson was exposed to dangerous asbestos dust in insulation, cement, gaskets, and more. This dust would have been easily inhaled if it was disturbed during repairs or installation. As he worked homes and basements around Wisconsin and Illinois, he was at risk of inhaling deadly asbestos particles which could then develop into mesothelioma.
Asbestos inhalation is the only known cause of mesothelioma, making it a major health concern for electricians, construction workers, and insulators, among others. Vogelzang Law represented Nelson against several manufacturers of these dangerous asbestos products; the settlement will fuel a larger social change regarding asbestos safety.
In court, attorneys Nicholas Vogelzang, Michael Maienza, and Charles Valles successfully settled Nelson’s case by pressuring multiple defendants. The settlement came after two days of pretrial motions with the judge.
The April settlement offers security to a grieving family in difficult times. Nelson is survived by three children and his longtime partner, Carol. Their victory in court holds corporations responsible for the harm they caused when they chose to use asbestos materials. Thanks to their determination to find justice and the hard work of the Vogelzang Law team, this settlement will provide for the Nelson family’s well-being for years to come.
About Vogelzang Law
Vogelzang Law is a boutique asbestos litigation law firm representing victims of mesothelioma. Backed by Lead Counsel Nicholas Vogelzang’s nearly 20 years of asbestos law experience, we have the knowledge and resources required to pursue complicated cases with compassion and wholehearted advocacy.
Curcumin’s Benefits for Fitness Maximized Thanks To New Drug Delivery Technology
Napa, California – May 14, 2018. Health and fitness enthusiasts who take curcumin nutritional supplements should notice a profound spike in its benefits thanks to a revolutionary drug-delivery advancement made available by Tesseract Medical Research (TMR). Over the last several years, curcumin has been heralded for its positive impact on performance, muscle recovery, post-exercise pain relief, lean muscle formation, and a host of positive inflammatory response effects impacting the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and neurocognitive systems.*
A caveat, however, in almost every scientific article and published research on curcumin, calls attention to two significant roadblocks that limit the remarkable benefits of this turmeric-derived compound. Specifically, because of curcumin’s very low absorption and bioavailability rates and a half-life measured in minutes, it would unrealistically need to be consumed in large amounts day and night to fully experience a major difference.
“The benefits of turmeric have been known since ancient times,” states Jeff Kotterman, LMSN, the creator of TriSystem EDGE and the Director of the National Association of Sports Nutrition. “The challenge is to get nutrient-rich curcumin with its active constituents into the body without severe degradation in the process. Most turmeric supplements on the market have very poor absorption, which means very little of the ingested botanical actually gets to the cells that could use it most.”
These two issues have now finally been addressed. TMR’s TetraCumin™ product is unusual in that it features the more valuable bioactive curcumin metabolite Tetrahydrocurcumin, the form that is most readily absorbed in the body.* TetraCumin locks each molecule of curcumin in its own CyLoc™ carrier for rapid delivery and targeted release (via the DexKey™ process) to the intestinal tract where it is most effective.* TMR offers a sustained-release formula of TetraCumin designed to maintain therapeutic levels over a 12-hour period, as well as a quick-acting formula that promotes recovery after a hard workout.* Both are designed for daily use.
“TetraCumin promises a better delivery system because it has overcome the challenges of using turmeric in the past. The advantage is in the dosage. After taking TetraCumin for just under a week, I've already noticed significantly reduced post-workout joint pain,” shares Kotternman. “Regardless of whether you understand the biochemistry behind the delivery system of this product, if you are an exerciser, particularly a chronic exerciser, and you want to keep exercising, then TetraCumin is a tool that will support your healthy habit.”
TetraCumin is available through Tessmed.com and Amazon.
About Tesseract: (TessMed.com):
Tesseract Medical Research (TMR) is a life sciences company headquartered in Napa, California. They are the developer of breakthrough technology that optimizes the bioavailability and absorption of multiple nutrients, particularly those that are ingredients in nutritional supplements and medical foods. Tesseract offers a selection of natural supplements that support digestive, neurocognitive, and inflammatory disorders. This ground-breaking nano-nutrient delivery science is the latest innovation from Al Czap, the founder and former CEO of Thorne Research, and is a leap forward in efficacy and ensuring nutrients will reach their intended target.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Hypno-Fasting: Hypnotist’s New Book Helps Anyone Solve Their Weight Loss Problems – Permanently!
Combining over a decade’s experience teaching others how to change their lives by harnessing the power of the mind with hypnosis, Rory Z. Fulcher’s ‘Hypno-Fasting’ unleashes a proven, sustainable model for easily losing weight whilst still enjoying normal, delicious (and even unhealthy) foods…! It’s all about “re-programming the mind” which, whilst it may sound complicated, is now easy for anyone to achieve, using this book.
United Kingdom – As an internationally respected hypnotist and hypnotherapist, Rory Z. Fulcher knows better than most, that a lot of physical problems actually start in the mind. This certainly rings true for one of the western world’s biggest epidemics – being overweight, and that elusive struggle to shed the pounds for good.
That’s why Rory is so excited about his new book, ‘Hypno-Fasting’, since it targets the weight loss struggle both with a highly effective (and non-restrictive) eating plan, as well as dealing with the root of the issue (the mind), working on the thoughts, beliefs and motivations around losing weight. This highly effective and unique approach prepares anyone to reach their goal weight, and can help them stay there for their entire life, without ever having to sacrifice the foods they love.
Synopsis:
Hypno-Fasting is a combination of two tried-and-tested, highly effective weight loss approaches, and is a great way to lose weight quickly, and permanently. Unlike other “diets” that are a constant struggle, Hypno-Fasting is easy to understand and stick to! With three simple fasting plans to choose from, anybody can pick up this book and get started immediately.
Hypno-Fasting combines intermittent fasting with powerful psychological tricks and techniques so, as well as learning how to fast, you will also learn how to work on your weight-loss “mind game”, helping you to become more effective and motivated. Using this method, you will also learn to increase your willpower and to develop beyond that old “yo-yo diet” mentality (which is both unhelpful and unhealthy).
Whatever your sex, age or size, Hypno-Fasting will help you to easily reach your healthy fat-loss goals and help you to feel better about your relationship with food, permanently.
“The great thing about the methods presented in this book, is that they don’t work on the usual diet premise of food denial,” explains the author. “Rather, they build a solid foundation for successful weight loss in your mind – where it all begins – and enable you to make small, sustainable behaviour changes, that will allow you to achieve lifelong results. No more fads, no more eating bowls of air... instead, a new lifestyle that will see you looking leaner and feeling healthier than you ever imagined.”
Continuing, “It’s extremely easy to do. By tackling the psychological side of your weight loss process, you will connect to your goals, overcome challenges and increase your personal motivation to succeed. You’ll be amazed at how easy it can be to ditch the fat! Also, to further support your success, the accompanying hypnotherapy MP3 (download) includes a number of key suggestions and strategies that build upon what is talked about in the book. Listening to the MP3 is like having your own hypnotherapist alongside you, helping to support, engage and guide you towards achieving your weight loss goals!”
‘Hypno-Fasting’ is due for imminent release.
For more information, news and resources, visit the author’s official website: https://www.rory-z.com.
About the Author:
Rory Z Fulcher is an international stage & street hypnotist, hypnotherapist and hypnosis trainer (and also a qualified fitness instructor). He is a founding director of HypnoTC: The Hypnotherapy Training Company, one of the UK's top hypnotherapy training schools and has authored a number of books and DVDs on the topic of hypnosis. Rory is an expert in the field, and has been using and teaching hypnosis since 2005.
York University Continuing Studies Announces New Machine Learning Program
Develop and nurture the skills most in-demand by top employers
TORONTO, May 14, 2018 /CNW/ - As tech giants and other businesses increasingly rely on data and artificial intelligence (AI) to stay competitive, there is greater demand than ever for machine learning specialists with the requisite technical skills, as well as an in-depth, real-world understanding of the ethical, social, and business implications of their work. The York University School of Continuing Studiesi recently launched a part-time Certificate in Machine Learning to address this demand. The only dedicated program of its type in Canada—and created in collaboration with industry leaders in AI and machine learning—the certificate focuses on preparing students to become qualified candidates for the rewarding, desirable jobs on offer by top employers.
"Job growth in machine learning in Canada has already grown by 450%, and by 900% in the Greater Toronto Area1. Growth is expected to exceed another 56% over the next few years2. York University is eager to help employers meet an unprecedented need for trained data science professionals capable of developing and implementing machine learning solutions in response to complex business problems," says Tracey Taylor-O'Reilly, Assistant Vice-President, Continuing Studies. "We are thrilled to be helping to train the next generation of machine learning specialists in healthcare, finance, automotive and other leading fields."
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| 1 Burning Glass |
| 2 Quant Crunch Report |
Designed for working professionals in software development, data science, business analysis, business intelligence, and related fields, the Certificate in Machine Learning offers students an accelerated path to completion, rich networking opportunities, and a unique cohort experience that allows them to build the cross-functional skills that top employers seek. Over eight months of study, completed online with occasional in-class sessions and completion of a project with selected companies, students will gain both the real-world skills needed to work in this competitive market and comprehensive insights into the viability of different machine learning data models. Graduates will also develop strong competencies in project management principles and the programming languages required to build and test machine learning algorithms in realistic scenarios.
"At StackAdapt, it took us nearly two years to hire the right people for our machine learning team," says Yang Han, Co-Founder & CTO of StackAdapt. "I'm excited to see York University tackle the skill gaps that the vast majority of machine learning specialists have, and enrich their students with the ideal strengths and experience needed to solve real world problems."
Registration for this program is open now, with the first session starting September 2018. Students should possess a minimum second-year undergraduate-level understanding of linear algebra, calculus, probability, and inferential statistics, and have experience with Python. The School of Continuing Studies at York University is proud to offer students industry-leading professional education, the most diverse educational experience in Toronto, and a world-class customer service support team.
For more information about the Certificate in Machine Learning, please visit our website or call +1 416 736 5616.
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i York University School of Continuing Studies provides meaningful continuing education opportunities which combine guided instruction with practical application. Our programs are designed to develop the well-rounded professionals that employers value with both the deep discipline-based knowledge and the broad, cross-functional skills required to communicate and be effective within a multidisciplinary team. With a variety of options to suit your learning style and schedule, adding a recognized, respected credential such as a York University professional certificate has never been more convenient.
SOURCE York University
| Study Suggests How Brain Exercise Gains Transfer to Daily Life
SAN FRANCISO May 14, 2018 – Researchers have uncovered a neural mechanism to explain how a particular computerized exercise drives benefits in a closely-related task, and also may transfer to more-distant cognitive abilities and real-world activities. They found the exercise makes the brain operate more efficiently, by strengthening network connections and reducing the amount of local brain activity required to accomplish a task, according to a study published in the Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences. The patented exercise is licensed exclusively to Posit Science, and the consumer version is available to the public as the “Double Decision” exercise on the BrainHQ online platform.
The researchers, from The Pennsylvania State University and The University of Alabama at Birmingham, used a standard neuropsychological assessment and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to evaluate the impact of the unique exercise on brain structure and operations. The exercise is known in the scientific literature, variously as “speed of processing” training, “divided attention” training, and “UFOV®” training.
In prior studies, the speed of processing training has been shown to improve performance at standard measures of cognition, and also has been shown to transfer to better performance at real-world activities, including measures of mood, confidence, balance, gait, driving, health-related quality of life, predicted medical expenses, and maintaining the ability to live independently.
The newly-published study randomized 34 older adults into three groups: a group that trained for a total of 10 hours (across five weeks) on the speed of processing exercise; a group that trained on the same schedule on cognitively stimulating activities targeting higher level reasoning, recall, and executive function; and a no-contact control group that simply was measured at the same time as the other two groups.
Cognitive function, brain activation, and brain connectivity were measured before and after training. Cognitive function was measured on the standard four-part UFOV® Test (which measures processing speed, divided attention, selective attention, and selective attention with discrimination). Brain activation of participants was measured as they performed a selective attention task in the fMRI scanner, and brain connectivity was measured using resting state functional neuroimaging.
The researchers found that the speed of processing group showed significant improvements in cognitive function as measured with the UFOV Test, as compared to both the cognitively stimulating activities and the no-contact control groups.
The fMRI brain activation analysis allowed the researchers to identify which parts of the brain were engaged in the selective attention task. They identified eight regions of interest. Comparing brain activation before and after training showed that the speed of processing group significantly reduced the amount of brain activation required to perform the selective attention task in six of the eight regions of interest. The cognitively stimulating activities group showed reduced activity in one region, and the no-contact control group in none. In some brain regions thought to be important for higher-order cognitive function, the speed of processing group showed bigger decreases in activation than either of the other groups.
The fMRI brain connectivity analysis indicated that the speed of processing group showed a large increase in network connectivity, while the other two groups did not show any significant change.
“The reduced activity following training reflects the need to engage fewer brain resources in the task, meaning more efficient operations related to this task,” explained Dr. Lesley Ross, lead author of the study. “We also propose that the increased connection strength at all times, even during rest, is a possible mechanism through which this training achieves transfer to everyday tasks and to maintaining cognitive abilities.”
“Most forms of cognitive training have not been shown to transfer improvements beyond the task trained,” observed Dr. Henry Mahncke, CEO of Posit Science. “By focusing on this unique training, which has repeatedly shown transfer to everyday activities, this study contributes to our understanding of why it does so. Taken together with other studies, we now know that this type of plasticity-based perceptual training drives structural changes in the brain, that help to explain why this type of training not only improves performance at the task trained but also more generalized performance in daily life.”
For more information, contact: media@brainhq.com |
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